What' it cost to replace a head gasket on a '96 Explorer?

[dkryan]

What's the cost in general, as I understand it depends on who does the work.

125k on this vehicle, now running Maxlife 5w30 synthetic and not using a drop of oil during 6 months/7500k OCIs. Unfortunately, the coolant recovery jug needs "topping off" when cold, from the "low line" to the "full line," about once per month. No visible leaks (unfortunately) and the cooling system has been flushed and a new radiator cap added at 115k.

Obviously, a used oil analysis will confirm (or refute)the head gasket issue in the next six weeks.

 

[dkryan]

That's a 4.0L V6 on that Explorer.

 

[Steve S]

A wild guess would be at least $1200.00 .

 

[rauljimenez]

Heh if you can get a good mechanic it would be around 600-800 bucks for that job.

 

[Wide Open Tuning]

That must be the 4.0 OHV engine. A lot of times coolant consumption by that motor is due to a leaking intake gasket. The head gaskets fail far less than the intake although they do sometimes fail. I have seen a number of cracked heads also. Start with the intake gastket.

 

[dkryan]

I take it the intake gasket repair is less expensive than the head gasket repair? Either way, the coolant is likely contaminating the oil, no?

Is there anything else to check out while replacing the intake gasket?

 

[mechtech]

Intake is way easier than the head.

 

[dkryan]

Thanks for the info!

 

[deepsquat]

take the car to a shop have them put ic on a CO/HC sniffer ...when i went to auto mech school it was called a Sun Machine ( brand name ) ...but have them put the CO/HC siffer in your radiator...not your tail pipe ..if it starts to read CO/HC then you have a bad head gasket ...if not go for the intake . diagnosis should only coct you 30-50 bucks .call around

 

[Wide Open Tuning]

Pull the spark plugs and take a look. One will usually be rusty. I have also see wome very green 02 sensors before on that motor indicating coolant consumption. While the intake is being done it way be wise to have the front cover gasket done at the same time if yours is leaking. Also make sure they replace the thermostat. I have done at least 100 of those for either sticking open or closed. Where does you temp gauge hang out at?

 

[scottjima]

I don't think that engine is common for head gasket failures. I would look at the water pump seep hole. You might need a mirror and flash light. Look for signs of coolant residue. It could very easly burn before reaching the ground. It could also leak only when hot. A used oil analysis might/might not confirm a head gasket leak.

 

[pushrod]

If it isn't the water pump leaking. You might try some Bars Leaks. I have used it many times on iron head fords. I remember reading that ford used it at the factory many years ago. Hopefully your UOA will
will let you know how bad (or not) it is.

 

[tdimaniac]

here is a link to a procedure to replace the intake manifold & valve cover gaskets in the 4.0L:

http://rockledge.home.comcast.net/RangerPictureGallery/40LIntakeGasketReplacement.pdf

make sure the intake manifold nuts are torqued correctly.

 

[michael harris]

once a month for a couple pints is hardly anything to get nervous about. you are going to lose level out of the tank overflow from condensation and evaporation somewhat and depending on how hot or hard the vehicle is driven is a factor also. if it aint broke don't fix it theory somewhat. but the co test is as far as i'd go. if its not a head gasket then just top it off once a month. it will give ya somethin to do while ya read up on how to change a head gasket in a ford 4.0. I know a ford 3.8 isnt much fun but it was a t-bird. longest part was getting 'to' the actual engine. the gasket itself is super simple. there isnt even any valve adjustments or worrying bout distributor location or anything... just get a real good 6 point 15mm deep socket and a long breaker bar... you'll understand if you've ever done one.
44H

 

[deepsquat]

never thought of this question..were you park your car..is there a rust stain???? That is a sign that your water pump is going very slowly ..just another thought

 

[Chris142]

Them 4.0's had problems with the heads cracking as mentioned. I've seen many that cracked on the outside of the engine.

Weird

 

[dkryan]

Wide Open Tuning and Chris142: you called it. It was a cracked head, unfortunately.

This is my neighor's Exploder and she maintains it very well (probably better than most of us guys). She did not have to add the usual amount to the coolant recovery jug over the summer, but last week (without mentioning it to me, not that she's required) she had to fill the recovery jug TWICE in one week. I'd call that a clue.

So, she calls looking for a ride home from the local indy shop on Tuesday night. It seems the engine began to run rough and the SEL began flashing. She pulled off and checked the fluid levels, then read the owner's manual, which told her it was safe to drive but needed service ASAP. So she dropped it off at a locally trusted shop.

Deepsquat: they did the HC/CO sniffer test which was negative. They thought intake gasket, until they got in there and found it in great shape for 125k on the odometer. One spark plug was drenched in coolant.

Once they really got it torn down, they found the cracked head. So, a new set of heads, head gasket, plugs, coolant flush, t-stat, etc., has left the neighbor rather depressed. Strangely enough, she was going to do an oil change this weekend with the Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic 5w30 she's been using, plus do a used oil analysis to test for coolant. That's been scratched.

I told her to run Maxlife dino for 1k once they got it back together, then go back to the full syn.