3.8L in a 1996 Cougar-Preventative HeadGasket Change a Good Idea?
My cousin has a 1996 Cougar with a 3.8L V6, 60,0000 mi., he is aware of the issues with the headgasket and has changed the rad to avoid problems in the future(sand from the mould may be an issue) as well as changing the coolant at or before recommended intervals.
What is the problem, with the headgaskets, was it the gasket or the head bolts...? Machining was bad?
Is there a better headgasket available from another manufacturer other than the OEM one?
When you speak to the Autotalk guys(call in talk show in Toronto Ontario Canada where he resides) they say keep an eye on it.
Is there a better way like changing bolts or gasket before they go to avoid work at an unknown garage, lower bearing damage, and an expensive tow?
Thank you in advance for your replies, a search never answered these questions, if one did my apologies, too many years none specific to RWD and 1996 and too many replies. To the complainers out there, the title was enough of a warning you had no need to read the body of the post.
Re: 3.8L in a 1996 Cougar-Preventative HeadGasket Change a Good Idea?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brit101
My cousin has a 1996 Cougar with a 3.8L V6, 60,0000 mi., he is aware of the issues with the headgasket and has changed the rad to avoid problems in the future(sand from the mould may be an issue) as well as changing the coolant at or before recommended intervals.
What is the problem, with the headgaskets, was it the gasket or the head bolts...? Machining was bad?
Is there a better headgasket available from another manufacturer other than the OEM one?
When you speak to the Autotalk guys(call in talk show in Toronto Ontario Canada where he resides) they say keep an eye on it.
Is there a better way like changing bolts or gasket before they go to avoid work at an unknown garage, lower bearing damage, and an expensive tow?
Thank you in advance for your replies, a search never answered these questions, if one did my apologies, too many years none specific to RWD and 1996 and too many replies. To the complainers out there, the title was enough of a warning you had no need to read the body of the post.
If you maintain the cooling system well and corectly why would the motor offer a pronlem ? I cant see anypoint in messing with it if it's working well and you look after it .
Re: 3.8L in a 1996 Cougar-Preventative HeadGasket Change a Good Idea?
Quote:
Originally Posted by atec77
If you maintain the cooling system well and corectly why would the motor offer a pronlem ? I cant see anypoint in messing with it if it's working well and you look after it .
3.8L have a high failure rate of headgaskets, a search will inform you of the issue. That is the concern. Thought that replacing it and the bolts would avoid what is mentioned below.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brit101
Is there a better way like changing bolts or gasket before they go to avoid work at an unknown garage, lower bearing damage, and an expensive tow?
What is the prudent time in mi. to replace the waterpump, the Japanese carmakers change it when changing the timing belts to avoid failure and a tow?
Re: 3.8L in a 1996 Cougar-Preventative HeadGasket Change a Good Idea?
Change that headgasket! My 1995 was an old ladies car for the first 40k miles of its like, so gloriously maintained and driven easily, then around 60k the headgaskets just went pop, engine seized, spun everything and needless to say dropped $1800 in a new engine. I took great care of it, and did not drive it hard at all, and it still blew, just change it you'll be glad you did
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