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» Northern California Ford Owners     » Automotive   » Tech Talk   » Changing head gasket on 4.6

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Author Topic: Changing head gasket on 4.6
69DodgeCharger
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Hi, I am looking at a supercharged mustang, and the only flaw about the car is one of the head gaskets has a slight leak from the car overheating once. I have been told that the car is fine to drive, but it does need replaceing. How hard is it to replace the head gasket on a 4.6? I have only worked on big block dodge, and old small block chevys and fords, never a modular 4.6. How long do you think it would take?
Thanks
Ryan

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I do installs and vehicle transport
ryan 925 783 7259

-2002 Corvette ZO6
H/C/I 470rwhp

-1969 Dodge Charger R/T
496 big block, TKO, Dana 60

Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
NvrGoFullRetard
CAFords OG
Member # 1633

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all i got to say is have fun [patriot]

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"formally 4.6 eatin gm's"
white 97gt n/a 320rwhp/325rwtq
01 sierra rcsb lsx 408 (murdered out)
03 ecsb sierra 6.0 on 22's
2011 Tahoe

Posts: 2759 | From: PITTSBURG/FAIRFIELD | Registered: Aug 2002  |  :
Stimson
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I'd seriously consider passing up this car and finding another car. It sounds like you'll be buying a lot of hassles.... smog, leaky head gasket, and other surprises you don't know about yet...
Posts: 2373 | Registered: Jun 2000  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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ya, you kinda have a point, i was just figuring that I could save some money this way, because i dont mind replacing head gaskets and such. Oh well I'll have to think about it.

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I do installs and vehicle transport
ryan 925 783 7259

-2002 Corvette ZO6
H/C/I 470rwhp

-1969 Dodge Charger R/T
496 big block, TKO, Dana 60

Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
Red97SVT
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You didn't say whether it is a GT or Cobra.

On a Cobra I would say forget it. They say it can be done but even changing the valve cover o-ring is a major pain. It is easier to "drop" the motor. I say drop because it is easier to get it out from the bottom than the top.

On a GT not sure but it can be a bitch if you were to drop the cam chain off the crank. Probably still easier to drop the motor.

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Engine: HCI forged 0.30' over N/A.
Suspension: Full Griggs by Apex.
Drive train: T-56, Auburn pro, 31 spline axles, 3.73s.

Posts: 246 | From: Manteca | Registered: May 2003  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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its a GT

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I do installs and vehicle transport
ryan 925 783 7259

-2002 Corvette ZO6
H/C/I 470rwhp

-1969 Dodge Charger R/T
496 big block, TKO, Dana 60

Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
91 5.0
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Dont let these guys change your mind Ryan, ill help you if I have to. Ive never done it before, but im sure I can learn. [patriot]

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02 GT - Zinc Yellow
91 5.0 LX - Red

Posts: 1316 | From: Fairfield | Registered: Jul 2002  |  :
NvrGoFullRetard
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if it was me i would pull the motor and while it was out and u were fixing the head gasket i woul p/p the heads and do some custom grind blower cams.trust me ive been down this road before with my 4.6 gt.while its out u might as well do it, but then again this is just my .02 cents.

and if u guys need any input or help just give me a pm i live in pittsburg

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"formally 4.6 eatin gm's"
white 97gt n/a 320rwhp/325rwtq
01 sierra rcsb lsx 408 (murdered out)
03 ecsb sierra 6.0 on 22's
2011 Tahoe

Posts: 2759 | From: PITTSBURG/FAIRFIELD | Registered: Aug 2002  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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I am unsure about the heads being ported, but the motor allready has custom grind blower cams and such

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I do installs and vehicle transport
ryan 925 783 7259

-2002 Corvette ZO6
H/C/I 470rwhp

-1969 Dodge Charger R/T
496 big block, TKO, Dana 60

Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
NvrGoFullRetard
CAFords OG
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oh ok but what im sayin is while the heads r off u might ass well [Wink]

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"formally 4.6 eatin gm's"
white 97gt n/a 320rwhp/325rwtq
01 sierra rcsb lsx 408 (murdered out)
03 ecsb sierra 6.0 on 22's
2011 Tahoe

Posts: 2759 | From: PITTSBURG/FAIRFIELD | Registered: Aug 2002  |  :
99gt-UJSTLST
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its not that hard to change the gasket

but you may have more problems then just a leaking head gasket

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SOUTH BAY STANGS
MINOR BOLT ON'S

www.southbaystangs.com

Posts: 2558 | From: SAN JOSE CA | Registered: Nov 2001  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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thats what I was thinking, what other problems could it be? I was thinking that it may be OK because it hapend when the car overheated once.
Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
Red97SVT
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If you decide to do this, make sure you get new head bolts. They are not reuseable.

Also make sure you torque them down correctly or you will just blow another gasket.

While the head is off, take it to a machine shop and have them check the surface to make sure no material was lost due to the blown gasket. If it needs to be resurfaced, it isn't good for much more than beer cans as this will change the cam relationship with the head and affect cam timing.

Good luck!

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Engine: HCI forged 0.30' over N/A.
Suspension: Full Griggs by Apex.
Drive train: T-56, Auburn pro, 31 spline axles, 3.73s.

Posts: 246 | From: Manteca | Registered: May 2003  |  :
99gt-UJSTLST
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quote:
Originally posted by 69DodgeCharger:
thats what I was thinking, what other problems could it be? I was thinking that it may be OK because it hapend when the car overheated once.

well hhe could of also cracked the head,ring or piston, but you wont now till its apart

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SOUTH BAY STANGS
MINOR BOLT ON'S

www.southbaystangs.com

Posts: 2558 | From: SAN JOSE CA | Registered: Nov 2001  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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i dont think it is the ring or piston, he said it still runs fine, just leaks a little from the head gasket (leaking what i dont exactly know) but he said his machanic said its the head gasket.
Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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i dont think it is the ring or piston, he said it still runs fine, just leaks a little from the head gasket (leaking what i dont exactly know) but he said his machanic said its the head gasket.
Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
Hungry Hippo
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i wouldnt buy it if they are driving around with a blown headgasket. there could be water in the oil... toasted bearings perhaps? [Eek!]

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05 S4 Avant(wagon)
09 C6 H/C/I

Posts: 2959 | From: east bay | Registered: Nov 2001  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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hes not driving now that he knows that it leaks, but he just said it still runs fine (im going to trailer it home and rip it apart ASAP) if I decide to by it
Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
ihatethesesns
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I think what people are trying to tell you is runs ok and blown head gasket don't go together. Sounds like he beat on the car and is sick of dropping cash into the car. If your looking for a project that may turn into a money pit then go for it.

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" Friends come and go but enemies Accumulate"

'Fight Crime Shoot First'

Posts: 1283 | From: Toy Shop | Registered: Dec 2001  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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allright I just talked to the guy and he said that the shop that built it, did a leak down test and they found that the head gasket has a slight leak witch makes exaust gas to go to the radiator and makes the car overheat. He said that there is no water in the oil or anything like that.
Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :
RiddlerGT
Midnight King
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your crazy to be buying a motor with a blown headgasket your basicly buying someone elses problem sorry bro but its the facts!

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SR

Posts: 2292 | From: San Ramon | Registered: Dec 2000  |  :
69DodgeCharger
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ya i was kinda thinking the same thing, the only thing that makes me want to buy it is the amount of mods it has done, and how much of a beast the thing would be when the head gasket was fixed.

--------------------
I do installs and vehicle transport
ryan 925 783 7259

-2002 Corvette ZO6
H/C/I 470rwhp

-1969 Dodge Charger R/T
496 big block, TKO, Dana 60

Posts: 251 | From: Antioch | Registered: Sep 2003  |  :


 
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