I think my 1/96 EF II Futura 6 cylinder, 145,000 klms may need a new head gasket. I recently replaced the radiator and water pump. The engine overheated prior to these replacements, but not to the worst degree and the engine was shut down as soon as overheating became apparent. Since replacing radiator and water pump I find that the car is loosing water, not heaps but enough to warrant checking and topping up every day, (I do a 140klm round trip each day to work) I cannot find where the water is going. Oil seems free of water and there are no apparent leaks. I have noticed that the car very occasionally misses a beat at around 110kph but only just detectable, if you were not trying to find something amiss you would miss it. As I plan a long trip soon I thought that I would replace the head gasket and would like to know which BRAND/TYPE is the best to fit. I also plan to replace every hose at this time. Any advise about water loss, head gasket etc will be very helpful. Thank You

Go get an AU head gasket and head bolts - should be able to get them from Ford

when i had to fix the head on my car i went to fords and asked them how much for a ef tickford head they told me $1500 which didnt include head bolts also asked how much an ef one would be and he said $1200 such a bloody rip off ford are, thank god i have either work to help me out or dads mate a nissan motor company has a contact at a ford dealership, in the i didnt need a new head but thought i did but mechanic just shaved the head and fixed it for gas a s**t and its been great since i did it luckly i was getting aftermarket gas system in my car cause thats when they found out, i didnt even know my head was going even when driving.

Get genuine AU head gasket. As for the bolts, shop around might find aftermarket ones are cheaper from an auto store.

look at the block under the exhaust manifold. Thats is often where water starts leaking when head gaskets go. The exhaust boils off the water (so you dont see drips) leaving the side of the block with stains/surface rust.

get yourself a new heater tap as well while you're at it ... save dramas later