[elmills]

I've got a 1999 V6 3.8 l Mustang. One morning I started it up and it started running real rough. Check engine code was misfire in 6. I replaced the spark plugs and wires. #6 plug was really bad. I was almost sure I had a faulty lifter (from friend's advice). I did a cylinder compression check and 1-4 were normal, 5 was a little low and 6 would not even turn over. The oil on the dipstick looks a little watery.

A Ford Certified mechanic took a look at it yesterday and said he is 95% sure that I have a blown head gasket. He said that if I take it in to the shop, they will replace the head gasket and send the head out to be tested for cracks. He said it should run about $900 to $1,000 for the job depending on the shop I take it to.

He said if it were him, he'd buy a used engine from a salvage yard and swap engines. I've done some shopping and I've found an engine for $525 (64k miles, 6 month warranty). To get it swapped I'm looking at another $300 give or take.

I have no garage and novice knowledge about engines, but I am handy enough I think I could replace the gasket and any other wearing part (lifters, pushrods, valves, etc.).

What should I do guys?

Thanks

[HMUSN]

replacing a head gasket is no joke.

but if you think you for sure are able to do it go for it.

you need all the TQ specs and there is a certain way to unbolt and bolt the head back on.

good luck

[flames_blue]

good luck

[Juggalo_X]

i would get the Junk yard engine and keep the old one strip er down and build your self a nice engine slowly then when its done throw er in.

[elmills]

Thanks for advice.

I am really leaning towards the used engine.

Rebuilding the used engine slowly is out of the question..... I am stuck in a minivan for 2 hours a day.

I have found a friend with a garage that will swap the engines for me and he said he would help with slightly rebuilding the used engine (new gaskets, etc.)

When I'm finished I plan on modding it a bit (new exhaust, cold-air intake, pulleys)

[Juggalo_X]

Originally Posted by elmills Thanks for advice. I am really leaning towards the used engine. Rebuilding the used engine slowly is out of the question..... I am stuck in a minivan for 2 hours a day. I have found a friend with a garage that will swap the engines for me and he said he would help with slightly rebuilding the used engine (new gaskets, etc.) When I'm finished I plan on modding it a bit (new exhaust, cold-air intake, pulleys)

i meant rebuild your blown engine so you have a spare.

[elmills]

Gotcha....I need to find a space to tear it down, but that is a great idea. Most of the salvage yards wanted to trade, but I had planned on keeping my old engine for parts.

What is the advantage of replacing the stock headers? I assume better exhaust air flow?

[Juggalo_X]

Originally Posted by elmills Gotcha....I need to find a space to tear it down, but that is a great idea. Most of the salvage yards wanted to trade, but I had planned on keeping my old engine for parts. What is the advantage of replacing the stock headers? I assume better exhaust air flow?

yes better flow.

[MySallyMI]

If you did do it yourself, a head gasket, new head bolts, fresh oil would be pretty much all you need and would probably run you less than $75. Add a chilton manual for instructions, be neat and very organized when taking it apart and it would save you alot of money. However, your cylander head could be cracked, but i looked it up and its $200 used on carparts.com. Still under $500. So it would be a headache if its your first time working on a motor, this deep, but it would save alot of money.

[punkafi888]

hell just get an old 4.2 and build it and cram it in there! vrooom vroom

[Onemanzu]

get new heads of a junked motor... have them port and polished then switch them in their... that will cost you about $500 for used heads and getting them ported... then $100 in install... and your friend can help you with the detailled part... such as torquing all that shit in and making the crucial stuff fit right