Hi,
general question about Ford Trucks...
Do head gaskets start with a small leak, and then, overtime, become worse? or do they generally just go out all of a sudden?
How many times should I expect to top off the radiator in my 89 aerostar? this is the 3rd time, (when cold) takes only about 8 ounces, but seems to be the same as last time (been doing it daily for 3 days)
Are the head gaskets pretty solid on the 3.0L engines? - Thanks
yes
every couple months
no
but I would start with pressure testing 1st, Check system for small leaks @ radiator ,waterpump,hoses and heatercore, also check rear heatercore and valve if you have rear heat
I'm more familiar with the 4.0 OHV engines on the old Explorers and head gasket leaks are common on them. So are intake manifold gasket leaks. I put in a can of Justice Brothers radiator stop leak and it took care of my head gasket leak. It may not be a permanant cure but it exhibited to me that the engine was not completely wore out and it would be worth replacing the head gaskets (275K miles on it). I'm currently not losing any coolant as far as I can tell after about 2 months. I was losing almost as much as you are. I also would not use most other brands of stop leak.
I also suspect that my radiator was clogged and was causing more pressure inside the engine and thus contributing to my coolant loss and once I put in the new radiator and the stop leak at least those problems were solved.
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