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Topic: 3.8 V6 head gasket (Read 1544 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8 V6 head gasket

I was just curious, what years of 3.8s are pr0ne to head gasket leaks? I'm just wondering if I need to keep an eye on my '85. It's 30 years old and never been rebuilt. So far things are looking good (no coolant in the oil).
Cornfed85

1985 Thunderbird - 3.8 V6, C5  :ford:  :birdsmily:

3.8 V6 head gasket

Reply #1
All of our ('83-'88) 3.8s are pr0ne to head gasket leaks. Mine made is 260k before succumbing, but it probably wasn't wise to use it for a performance drive weekend. 3 laps on the skidpad was all it took!

Just keep checking the coolant and oil when getting gas. It may blow tomorrow or never. C'est la vie

3.8 V6 head gasket

Reply #2
I heard the 82-87 were generally not pr0ne to it happening, the 88+ however are the ones that blow as low as 70k miles.
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

3.8 V6 head gasket

Reply #3
Quote from: White85GS;448533
I heard the 82-87 were generally not pr0ne to it happening, the 88+ however are the ones that blow as low as 70k miles.

Ford redesigned the heads on the 88 and up 3.8 which drastically increased the chances of the head gasket blowing.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

3.8 V6 head gasket

Reply #4
I have had probably at least 5 3.8's 1987 and older, never had a head gasket blow ever. Most were over 200k mile cars. I had one 1989, and the head gasket did blow under 100k miles. Take that for what it's worth. I have found the early 3.8s are pretty reliable as a daily driver.
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7

 

3.8 V6 head gasket

Reply #5
My wife ordered an 85 and drove it (babied it) for several years and it started with head gasket issues around 75-80k miles. Car was always maintained well, she never pushed it hard.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1988 T/C body with a 5.0 transplant. Motor has a Vortech V-2 supercharger, Edlebrock Performer RPM II intake, heads, FRPP F-303 cam, Comp Cams roller rockers, Power Pipe, LMAF, full Mac exhaust, lowered, Koni's, 5 lug conversion, Cobra wheels, 13" Cobra brakes, etc.
SOLD September 2020. Will miss this car after 19 years of building/driving/showing it off. Time for a new chapter in my life.
Dynoed 446 horse/409 torque at the wheels.
2003 Tenth Anniversary Cobra Convertible. 1 of 369 Torch Red made.
2021 Chevrolet 3500 dually, crew cab Duramax.