My 96 windstar with a 3.8 has 125k miles. Its losing coolant at 1qt/mo (1500miles/mo) but no visible leaks. Every 9th-12th start it runs real rough and OBD says misfire on cyl 5. When it starts rough I rev the engine and give it a minute it purrs. When I reset the OBD i get 9-12 starts code free . Its got a slightly noisy water pump. Plugs are 1 yr old and wires look good. So this might be the early warning signs of the 3.8 ford gasket probelm. My question is, Can the head gasket job be done on a 96 windstar without pulling the engine? I can do any work I need to in my driveway, but dont happen to have an engine hoist. It runs great, and the body is in OK shape. If I can Do It Myself I'll go for it. If I can't DIY, I've gotta scrap the vehicle, and buy a POS car. I'd rather repair the winstar. So, can the head gasket be done "in-vitro" ? Thanks!
- posted
15 years ago