Would like advice on head gasket change.

renno · 30-09-2005, 09:10 AM

I'm about to change the head gasket on my EB SeriesI. What do members consider is the best procedure to follow. I see that some recomend using an AU head gasket. Would this fit a 3.9CFI engine? Also what would be the best procedure to follow after the head goes on. I've seen using water after the initial start up recomended before putting in coolant, why? Any comments would be welcome.

EA2BA · 30-09-2005, 09:13 AM

renno tyr this doc
http://www.deleted link/portal/kb.php?mode=article&k=15

renno · 02-10-2005, 03:15 PM

Thanks for the reply Dellboy999. Yes I have looked at that site and downloaded the info, but there does appear to be more than one way to skin a cat. What I would like to know is will an AU head gasket fit the 3.9CFI motor, and is putting coolant back into the motor immediately before the initial startup the best way to go, or should I use plain water first.

Papa Smurf · 02-10-2005, 06:21 PM

Renno, the EB series 1 head gasket is DIFFERENT to the AU and ED. The Water jackets are different and you can see it when you have them together.

When the mechanics at work change heads they always add Coolant when they fill er up. Just make sure you make the Coolant and water ratio correct and completely EMPTY the system then add the NEW stuff

Damo · 02-10-2005, 10:50 PM

i have read that you should run water for a week for the headgasket to cure properly. Same goes for the water pump.

superloweb · 02-10-2005, 11:14 PM

do not run the car with just water, the coolant is there to protect the head gasket and internals from corrosion, the only reason people would run it with just water is to make sure they have no leaks, if they filled it with coolant and it leaked it would just be a waste of coolant. also dont put too much coolant in it becuase the water will become acidic and have the same effect. they rekon 3L coolant in a 3.9L ansd the rest water

xa bird · 02-10-2005, 11:58 PM

Go to ford and buy the motorcraft coolant its expensive but worth it grab a new thermstat from ford as well don't use an aftermarket one they are nowhere near as good.

spope · 03-10-2005, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superloweb

they rekon 3L coolant in a 3.9L and the rest water

According to whom? Certainly not Ford! The capacity of the system is 15 litres, in normal climates, they recommend 33% coolant - in colder climates, up to 50%.
So using a full 5 litre bottle of GENUINE coolant would be the correct way to change it.
I wouldn't bother with cheap coolants, either - they do more harm than good - genuine Ford coolant isn't that expensive.

renno · 04-10-2005, 07:49 AM

Thank's for the advice guys, it's greatly appreciated.
Tony.

Papa Smurf · 04-10-2005, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spope

So using a full 5 litre bottle of GENUINE coolant would be the correct way to change it.
I wouldn't bother with cheap coolants, either - they do more harm than good - genuine Ford coolant isn't that expensive.

You are so right. R132x1lt and R133x5lt are cheaper than buying Kmart brand. Kmart brand you are paying for water mostly.

R132 = $17.95 R133 = $75.20

eafalcon · 04-10-2005, 07:51 PM

Just about everybody uses the AU gasket without any probs. They say it blocks certain waterways to redirect the waterflow to give better and even cooling.
No one had had a bad thing to say about using the AU h/gasket