Hi all, 1997 Taurus 3.0 with only 58k miles. My sister had it 2 weeks after Dad died and put $1500 in it for a tranny. 2 weeks later it overheated big time, a independant shop told them a new engine needed. I just got it to my place. The overflow tank is split, somewhat rusty residual antifreeze in it. Runs fair, missing a bit, no white smoke. Compression readings front bank 120 - 90 - 150, rear bank 80 - 70 -
130. Specs say minimum of 100psi. Plugs in front bank clean, rear bank damp. Interestingly enough a plug in the rear bank was welded closed, molten drops between electrode and side wall, never saw that before, explains the miss anyway. I'm thinking I "just" need a head gasket in the rear and the block is probably ok???? I know about the rusty freeze plug recall but can't prove Dad had it done, but he would have if he received the recall. The freeze plugs I can see look good, look newer than the block actually.Thoughts??
Thanks a ton..
Mike