head gasket

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RobGute - 23 Oct 2005 19:28 GMT

Hi,

general question about Ford Trucks...

Do head gaskets start with a small leak, and then, overtime, become worse?
or do they generally just go out all of a sudden?

How many times should I expect to top off the radiator in my 89 aerostar?
this is the 3rd time, (when cold) takes only about 8 ounces, but seems to
be the same as last time (been doing it daily for 3 days)

Are the head gaskets pretty solid on the 3.0L engines? - Thanks

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johanb - 23 Oct 2005 19:45 GMT

> Hi,
>
> general question about Ford Trucks...
>
> Do head gaskets start with a small leak, and then, overtime, become worse?
> or do they generally just go out all of a sudden?

yes

> How many times should I expect to top off the radiator in my 89 aerostar?
> this is the 3rd time, (when cold) takes only about 8 ounces, but seems to
> be the same as last time (been doing it daily for 3 days)

every couple months

> Are the head gaskets pretty solid on the 3.0L engines? - Thanks

no

but I would start with pressure testing 1st, Check system for small leaks @
radiator ,waterpump,hoses and heatercore, also check rear heatercore and
valve if you have rear heat

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Ulysses - 24 Oct 2005 01:53 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Are the head gaskets pretty solid on the 3.0L engines? - Thanks

I'm more familiar with the 4.0 OHV engines on the old Explorers and head
gasket leaks are common on them. So are intake manifold gasket leaks. I
put in a can of Justice Brothers radiator stop leak and it took care of my
head gasket leak. It may not be a permanant cure but it exhibited to me
that the engine was not completely wore out and it would be worth replacing
the head gaskets (275K miles on it). I'm currently not losing any coolant
as far as I can tell after about 2 months. I was losing almost as much as
you are. I also would not use most other brands of stop leak.

I also suspect that my radiator was clogged and was causing more pressure
inside the engine and thus contributing to my coolant loss and once I put in
the new radiator and the stop leak at least those problems were solved.

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