yeah do a comp test for a start
radiator pressure test (need special tools)
Teekay test (tests for combustion gases in cooling sys)

thanks heaps mate ill do the comp test first. Whats the range for a EF XR? Basically the number where i should be worried

I don't get why everyone says this.

Dash out has a reputation of being an incredibly painful 4-6hour exercise.

I've done it on 2 cars (ED's) (1 didn't have a centre console) and found it incredibly simple and straight forward and it took around 30-45 minutes (for both).

I don't see how 4-6hrs of labour is even possible.

i suppose uve got a 12inch C**k too...

I have done mine on the EF and it took 50 mins to pull it out, then 40 mins to dissassemble the Climate control, then 20 to put the cliamte back together. It was a 2 man job to manhandle the dash back into place which to another 30 mins, then 20 odd to tighten it up and check everything. This was with an auto Ghia, so the console came out as well. Thats the best part of 3 hours. And it was my 2nd time, as i also assisted in a conversion to climate on Fuzions old taxi
Brett

Did you need to ask, JUST DO IT!
Best excuse for it so the missus won't whinge

Its the only WHINE il tollerate from my b**ch Well quickly back on topic. NO LEAKS YAY!!!!!!!!! new rad cap and new thermostat 180 degree so slightly cooler than stock. But my concern is how rigid the hoses feel after a drive, so im thinking there is a rooted head gasket. Also on a tough Ford moment. Today took down a 7m Tree and loaded my trailer up, rolled up at the tip and the weigh bridge said 3.7t full then 2.6t empty, she didnt even break a sweat, only thing was it was a little pogoish in the rear but hey she didit no probs and safely! thanks for the help people. hopefully she'll be good to me now she got some TLC. Oh and agreed on the dash had a look at it and no way could you do a fantastic job on it, well mine anyway in less than 5 hrs, well first time anyway