engine compatibility

[shanwhite]

I have a 1995 Windstar that overheats when running. Have been told head gaskets are blown and need new motor. Have a 1996 Taurus with 3.0L v6 engine available. Can the 3.8L v6 van engine be replaced with the Taurus engine? Have asked several people and been told yes and no. One person said one has round bolt holes and the other square bolt holes. Is this true? Help!!

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by shanwhite

I have a 1995 Windstar that overheats when running. Have been told head gaskets are blown and need new motor. Have a 1996 Taurus with 3.0L v6 engine available. Can the 3.8L v6 van engine be replaced with the Taurus engine? Have asked several people and been told yes and no. One person said one has round bolt holes and the other square bolt holes. Is this true? Help!!

Shan

Sorry I don't know if the engines will exchange. I do know that you would have to change wiring harnesses and the computer.

Do you know the condition of your 3.8 other than it needs head gaskets? I just did my 3.8 in my Windstar. It's not too tough, just one bolt at a time. Is there antifreeze in the oil? Bearings do not like antifreeze. I replaced my rod bearings when I had the engine down. I heard some rod noise on start up.

Regards

Dan

[shanwhite]

Originally Posted by LeSabre97mint

Shan

Sorry I don't know if the engines will exchange. I do know that you would have to change wiring harnesses and the computer.

Do you know the condition of your 3.8 other than it needs head gaskets? I just did my 3.8 in my Windstar. It's not too tough, just one bolt at a time. Is there antifreeze in the oil? Bearings do not like antifreeze. I replaced my rod bearings when I had the engine down. I heard some rod noise on start up.

Regards

Dan

As far as I know everything else is ok. I know there is water in the oil, but I don't know about antifreeze. It's just that it will cost about 1200-1500 to fix it and we are wondering if it is worth it. We bought the van used about 1 1/2 years ago. Had 113,000 miles and we had NO problems until this (now has about 140,000). Have been told should do it because only other major problem would be transmission. But you know the story with vehicles you don't know well- what do you do???? The thing I miss most is all of the room. I have two boys and I love the room and since it is an older vehicle, there is no freaking out if there is a spill or mess. I test drove a Jimmy and hated it-too small! Anyway, since you know a little bit about them, what would be your advice??