head gasket position

[randywirtzfeld]

I am installing new head gaskets on a 96 Windstar, 3.8L. My question is the Felpro gaskets are only marked "Front". Does this me front of engine? Also, it does not say what side out? Help?

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by randywirtzfeld

I am installing new head gaskets on a 96 Windstar, 3.8L. My question is the Felpro gaskets are only marked "Front". Does this me front of engine? Also, it does not say what side out? Help?

Hello

Please keep in mind that this is all from memory from a few months back. I do believe that the front goes toward the water pump. Lay the gaskets on the block (make sure it's clean) and check to make sure things line up. IE holes water passages and such.

I put Felpro head gaskets in my 95. Now I have a slight weeping of antifreeze from my front head! I wish I had gone to Ford and got the OEM gaskets. The Felpros look just like the ones that failed! I would be willing to bet that I will be replacing the gaskets again in the feature.

Mine failed in cylinders 3 and 4. The metal ring around the cylinders degraded. Both cylinders were pumping antifreeze.

I also replaced my rod bearings and am really glad that I did. All of the upper inserts were showing copper. #6 was showing the most copper and I bet it was the rod I heard on start up until the oil psi built up. I got this van from the orginal owner who took really good care of it. I would hate to see bearings that didn't have regular oil changes. Anohter good reason to pull the pan is you get to clean it out. Your oil will stay cleaner longer.

When you have your engine apart you may want to consiter replacing your speedsensor. With that back head and exhaust manifold off this job is easy. You can't see the SS with them on.

Just some thoughts from afar.


Dan