[Mike s]

Hello:


Just about to purchase a 99 Convertible with 185,000 K on it , lots of highway driving, it is in real nice shape. It has a 3.8 L automatic. my concern is the head gasket thing can anyone shead some light? I would be interested in your findings. Please respond now I don't have much time.

Thanks a bunch.

[Cricket]

well the head gaskets on our 3.8L can go pretty easily. Are you having any leaks or anything?

[Mike s]

Not that I am aware of.

Also a pinging.

Any response to that?

Thanks in advance

[itschristorres8]

185,000 miles thats quite a number on a ford

[Cricket]

Where is the pinging comming from? It may be a timing problem. If your not having any problems with the head gasket then pay no mind to it right now. Don't fix what isn't broken. Prime example of what happens when you do that is Michael Jackson.

[itschristorres8]

Originally Posted by Cricket Where is the pinging comming from? It may be a timing problem. If your not having any problems with the head gasket then pay no mind to it right now. Don't fix what isn't broken. Prime example of what happens when you do that is Michael Jackson.

LMAO!

[HMUSN]

that is ALOT of miles for a 99. i'd look into something a tad newer or less miles.

[Mike s]

No not 185,000 miles, Kilometers, so about 100,000 miles.

I have not purchased yet, just asking what others have noticed or experienced.

Thanks

[itschristorres8]

yea...is that KM or miles...i'd be scared to mess with that thing as far as any modifications

[Cricket]

well imo thats high mileage. I'm only at 70,000 miles with my 98. I don't know the whole miles/kilometers conversion. Bring it to a mechanic and have them take a look over it. Thats your best bet at this point, but be a little weary of the mileage.

[CyberPrey]

I bought my 97 this summer... it had 93k miles on it when I bought it.

Its a bit high on the mileage for my liking, but what I did was take it to a local shop and lifted it up on the hoist and gave it a VERY through going over.

I highly recommend that no matter WHAT the mileage on a car you buy, that you take it somewhere and look it over well.

I bought my V6 model INSTEAD OF three GT's that were for sale.. a 98, and 2 99's... My V6 model had NO RUST, No leaks, everything on the interior was functional, and the mechanic said that the motor looked DAMN GOOD for having 93k on it. I paid like $25 each time I brought a car in for them to look at... all total it was about 100 between all the car's I brought it to have them look at, but I consider it one of the best investments I had made.

[99mustang232]

the 99+ MLS 3.8 head gasket doesn't have the same reputation as the pre 99 gaskets, so you are probably fine. would open the radiator cap and check for any signs of oil in the coolant, would also check the dipstick to see if it is milky looking which would show signs of coolant/water in the oil. would look for any smoking out the tailpipe on startup. I'm sure with 100k miles it is in need of some good maintenance which might cure any of the present issues, especially after installing some new spark plugs. would crawl up under it and give it a good inspection, look for any signs of oil leakage, look around the rear main seal area, check for any dripping of fluids.