3.8's are notorious for head problems. $1200 to replace a head gasket
sounds outrageous. Get a second opinion.

If the diagnosis is correct, you will have a buildup of pressure in the
radiator and resulting overflow of coolant. Look for bubbles in the
coolant reservoir while the engine is running. Listen for
boiling/bubbling sounds coming from inside the radiator

The cooling fan is only a factor when the car is sitting still, as normal
airflow through the radiator cools the engine when the car is moving.

The thermostat is always a suspect. I'd change it as a precautionary
measure, and if that fixes the problem, you've saved yourself a bundle.

I had the same problem 18 months ago with a '96 3.8 mustang..  Just
enough leakage into cylinder to get a wiff of steam IF I shut down and
restarted within 10 minutes... Any longer than that..no steam. Car ran
great. Once had slight hydraulic lock of cylinder on startup.  Ran hot
on me prior to getting to shop (went up close to the top of "normal")
I shut it down and had it towed.

I shopped around, I'm in the southeast US..   fly-by-night outfits
wanted $$350 - $400 to throw in a set of head gaskets and do nothing
more. I suspect they wouldn't have used NEW bolts were required
either..
I paid a reputable company $1200  for .. Both head gaskets, new head
bolts, have heads sent to specialty shop to check for cracks, warpage.
I couldn't be more pleased with the work...

Sometimes you do get what you pay for...  When it comes to something
like head gasket problem.. go ahead and have it fixed right the first
time (after you're sure that it's the problem) rather than having it
done twice, and worring about where is it going to leave you
stranded..

lmfao
toasted engine
god i love them
before ya  redoo heads on a 3.8
better check for bearing wash
LMFAO

teach ya for buying a girlie 3.8
you foctard

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