4bimmers

I am helping a friend with his '97 Crown Vic that apparently has a blown head gasket. I know nothing about Fords and have never even worked on one but I can probably figure it out. Can anyone suggest a DIY guide somewhere on changing head gaskets on these 4.6l V8 engines?

88grandmarq

while its not impossible, it is very unlikely you have a blown headgasket.
what diagnosis has been done? do you have intermix in the radiator or engine oil?

If you have a dead cylinder (engine is skipping/missing) you most likely have a valve train issue. Usually a valve will stick and/or a valve spring will break which causes the cam follower for that valve to "pop" off.

Do a compression or leak down test to isolate the cylinder then pull the valve cover and see whats going on.

Freshmeat

Also check the intake manifold. Is it all black plastic or does it have the updated design with the aluminum crossover?

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