EA head questions.

[Anonymous]

Hey there, I have a cronic oil leak in my EA 3.9 MPI. I know the usual trouble spot of the front seal and sump, but it is minor. The main problem seems to be what I would call seeping from the head gasket, which mostly is on the left hand side as proven by looking under the car and seeing traces of oil all down the left hand side, at least it won't rust . I have been told that this type of leak is common with that engine because there is an oil pressure riser between the block and head somewhere towards the back left of the engine. Ok, so the question is how do I solve it quickly, economically, and most easily? Obviously the best option is a new head gasket, I have also heard somewhere that new head bolts are needed as they are use once only items, I'm not sure about that one. Is it worth trying to just re-torque the head bolts? If I do have to change the head gasket, can anyone make any recommendations on some quality type/brand of gaskets, and the head bolts if I actually do need new ones.

Thanks all.
Mark

 

[addo]

How long have you had the car? I ask because there's a really strong change the head's been off before. I'm not sure if the bolts are torque-to-yield but either way they may be past their prime. If they are, then you can't re-torque. Check all cylinders for compression - it may be extreme blow-by.

As to parts - genuine Ford bolts and chase the block threads first. Oil on the bolt threads and under the head. Ford or genuine ACL head gasket set. Hope this gets you started.

Cheers, Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that. I have had it too long probably, but it still does the job I got it 9 years ago with 80K on it, and now it has 225K and dispite all the head horror stories, it has never had a problem with the head apart from the oil problem. It's still strong and economical and I'm pretty confident it would be more sound mechanically than alot of other 220+K engines. Have always tried to do the right thing and use the best I could.

Anyway thanks for the advice, it looks like my first thought might be correct, I might have some work in front of me.
Mark

 

[DYNOED250]

How are u going mate....
ok i do dozens of 4.0 head gaskets a year, this is what id do if i was u


1. Remove head get repaired/surfaced (surface is 100 precent required)
2. Use AU head gasket ( these are steel shim type) about 60-100
3. Use new au bolts (about 28 bucks for a set

If you get the head surfaced and use the AU head gasket, i guarnatee it will last for ages :>
THe Au head gasket is the best thing ford ever done for the E series falcons and pretty much solves head gasket issues with them.