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3.8L engine noise

Had my mechanic check out my 98 Ford Windstar 3.8L with 152,000 miles on it and oil changed every 3000 miles.The problem is once up to operating temperature I get what sounds like tapping noise and oil light flickering when I stop or idle. My mechanic tells me that he did pressure test and that Iam getting good volume but not enuff pressure and most likely the main crankshaft bearings are going .The oil does look like it needs changing but i think he maybe trying to get an engine job outta my situation.. Just tryin to confirm I guess what he thinks it maybe.

Reply to
paultek6
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It sounds like your mechanic may be right.

If you have 152,000 mi on it, more than just the main crank bearings are going. ou will either want to get a rebuilt or good low-milage used engine or a new van. You'll know when the time comes. In the meantime, I wouldn't worry about it, but you can't really do much to change the situation.

Jeff

Reply to
Jeff

Have you ever had to add antifreeze? I'm betting you have...

CJB

Reply to
CJB

Good call yes I have

Reply to
paultek6

You have or have had a leaking head gasket. It's inevitable that 3.8's blow head gaskets. When the gaskets leak, coolant gets in the oil which makes the oil more like pudding than a lubricant. That's why your bearings are bad. You need a complete rebuild.

CJB

Reply to
CJB

I'm betting you have had to add antifreeze recently. Either the intake gasket, head gasket, or front cover gasket has stopped doing it's job, and as little as ONE OUNCE of glycol in the crankcase can, and usually will on a 3.8 ford, take out the bearings, PERMANENTLY turning the engine into a pile of scrap. A VERY SLIM chance that an oil change, along with something like MMO, MAY get rid of the noise and flickering light when the gasket is fixed, but I sure wouldn't bet on it from my experience. If you want to gamble on it, drain ALL the antifreeze and put in plain clean water, then change the oil and put in a can of MMO (Marvel Mystery Oil) and run it for about 20 minutes or so and see if the noise goes away. If it does, find the leak and fix it. If it doesn't, it cost you

3 quarts of the oil of your choice and a quart of MMO, and a filter. Throw the engine (and while you are at it, likely the whole van) away and start over.

My bet? It'll cost ya!!

Reply to
clare at snyder.on.ca

And don't think you can get away with new crank bearings and rings - it ain't going to happen!!! Cam bearings, wrist pins, and all sorts of other parts will have been "poisoned" by the glycol.

Reply to
clare at snyder.on.ca

Just picked up a new2me 2002 windstar, 80K miles. I remember the head gasket problems in the past? Would anyone know if Ford fixed this in 2001?

Thanks, TP

Reply to
TP

No. Sorry.

You should carefully maintain the cooling system.

CJB

Reply to
CJB

Wonderful? I would have hoped Ford had a better idea! Thanks CJB, by carefully maintain the cooling system would that mean: flush and renew antifreeze every 20K. Should I add a cooling system additive, like Pro Blend or Purple Ice?

Should I go through the trouble to re-torque the heads (probably not worth the effort?) From what I remember the problem was with a steel sleeve between the head and block would rot out. Aagggh? I just hate to worry about when and where this 3.8 is going to blow-a-gasket!!!

TP

Reply to
TP

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