Is there a real fix for chronic 3.8 HG failure?

Bogart · 06-23-2005

I realize this is somewhat OT, but I figure you guys would know.

I'm about to be given a Taurus with the 3.8 engine, same as in the V6 'stang.

Anyway, it's got blown head gaskets, and I understand that's a chronic problem with the 3.8 engine.

I'm wondering, is there a "real fix", or should I just replace 'em and count on doing 'em again in 50,000 miles or so?

kscoyote · 06-23-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogart

I realize this is somewhat OT, but I figure you guys would know.

I'm about to be given a Taurus with the 3.8 engine, same as in the V6 'stang.

Anyway, it's got blown head gaskets, and I understand that's a chronic problem with the 3.8 engine.

I'm wondering, is there a "real fix", or should I just replace 'em and count on doing 'em again in 50,000 miles or so?

improved gaskets help quite a bit, but the new 99+ heads are the real fix.

If you can afford it, drop in a 2000+ FWD engine. the RWD engine will not work.

Bogart · 06-23-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by kscoyote

improved gaskets help quite a bit, but the new 99+ heads are the real fix.

Do you know of some particular gaskets you would reccomend?

Darkness 96 GT · 06-23-2005

If you can afford it do the 4.6L swap in your Taurus.
You were right about one thing coyote the 99+ headgaskets
will be a better than the Taurus headgaskets.

Jeer · 06-23-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkness 96 GT

If you can afford it do the 4.6L swap in your Taurus.
You were right about one thing coyote the 99+ headgaskets
will be a better than the Taurus headgaskets.

He was finialy right about something!

kscoyote · 06-23-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkness 96 GT

If you can afford it do the 4.6L swap in your Taurus.
You were right about one thing coyote the 99+ headgaskets
will be a better than the Taurus headgaskets.

Dude!

Can you list the bellhousing that would facilitate that swap?

You'd have to use a Porsche transmission for starters (P.S. that's a hint!!!)

keep talking!!1

This is getting ridiculous!

kscoyote · 06-24-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogart

Do you know of some particular gaskets you would reccomend?

Ford carries them as part of the recall. They're really not a great fix . ..

I know where you can get some custom composite gaskets, if they're still making them. They're expensive and really meant for race engines . . .

I think it'd be cheaper to do the engine swap.

t_man_perry · 04-13-2009

hey another reason for head gaskets goin out on 95 or older is head bolt holes werent very long but in the 96 and up ford put longer holes in the block to clamp the heads on better but you also need to check the heads and the deck of the block for straightness cuz if there warped hey will never seal.
u could try a arp head stud kit to to clamp them down a lil better