[1985gtstang]

Hey all,

I just bought myself my dream 5.0L a 1985 GT Hatchback.
I knew it was gonna be a fixer uppper.. So when I got it home and after replacing a new battery, started it.. I wasn't surpised to see
fluids leaking.. there is some oil leaking from the bottom of the motor
and some coolant pooling on the legde of the manifold..

Now my question is this? with the car having 235k on it.
Do I ty and fix the prob or rebuild or get a new motor?

I have searched the internet for some good crate motors and there
all so expensive.. and a rebuild will cost me around $2600+ so I want to make the right decision.

any help would be vey helpful guys

thanx again

[StalkerStang]

I would try a couple cheap things and try to get the most out of it. Where is the coolant and the oil leaking from? If its just a leaky gasket at the intake, than whats $25 for an intake gasket kit and a tube of RTV? The oil pressure sending unit usually leaks on 5.0L's and that you can just take off clean up and re-seal with teflon sealer.

Try a couple things before you go to a whole new motor.

[1985gtstang]

well the coolant is pooling in a corner on the manifold.. and the oil leak as far as i can see.(i dont have a hoist) is just dripping from the
pan somewhere.. i will try those few things you suggested.. its pocket change compared to a new motor..

thanks alot for the reply

[Young_Buck]

I'm not too sure about the coolant leak, but, if there is a leak coming from beneath the oil pan, that's an easy fix.

With only 170,900 miles on that engine, and being an '85, it can last you for awhile longer, if you don't do anything too off the wall with it (Like slapping a S/C on it).

-YB

[1985gtstang]

NO NO NO!!!

I dont plan on a S/C.. not for this motor anyways..

the engine runs and it sounds great.. it does only have a stock
exhast on it.. acculy the whole car is stock.. the body is in awesome shape that's the main reason why I bought the car.

thanks

[blublood2045]

Manifold leak, is no biggie, just replace the gasket. But if you have an oil leak coming from the oil pan, that could be a problem. On my 91 GT, I would have to lift the motor to take the pan off. There are clearance problems with the oil pan humps and the steering. I've been quoted @ 250 $ for that, so might as well save that towards a rebuild and live with the leak especially if it's not too big of a leak.

[1985gtstang]

hey guys

Thank for all the help.. Looks like i'll have to replace the intake gasket and the oil leak I'm not to sure about.. I have a buddy of mine coming over were gonna take a better look...I think i'll be getting what I can from this motor.. and use that time to save for a new motor.. anyone have any advice as to where I could get a good 320 from?.. and what is the HP rating on my stock Tanny??... I also heard a rumor that if i have to much HP I can spin my rear wheels right off there studs? ..?? I have so many questions I dont want to sound like to much of a noob

She's sitting in a garage for the winter.. I can't wait to get her out on the open road and let her loose.. .

thanx all