Hey all

I have a 1995 EF ford falcon.

I have noticed that my car has been going through a little water lately so I decided to get a compression test done. Although I could not see water leaking from anywhere this test identified the problem pretty quickly.
Water was pissing out of ALL the visible welsh plugs on either side of the engine. I was told by the fella doing the test that it was a sure thing that water would be leaking out of the back of the engine too.

I was quote $275 for the welsh plugs either side of the engine and alot more for the rear as the engine would have to come out. He did not quote anything and said I would be best off talking to 'my' mechanic for a quote.

I rang an engineer and describe the problem. He said the head gasket would be gone and that the block would more than likely be stuffed, aswell as rad and thermostat/water pump.

Anyway the car has just under 300,000ks on it, perfect interior and really good body.

It has driven beautifully until now and still does really even though it leaks water pretty quick. IE empyt in a day. I have only owned it since march

I have a few options.

reco engine for $2300 - fitted for $3000.
2nd hand from wrecker a (shonky) 130,000ks for $600 -(only block and head - no accs)
2nd hand engine from wrecker b (good) 140,000ks for $850 (all acces except starter and alt) fitted is an extra $400.

I can swap it myself but am way short of time. Have to have it ready by sun to drive home to Sydney and have 4 exams to study for this week.

What are peoples opinions on used engines etc??

What do people recommend as my best option

cheers

James

generaly the rear one doesn't give any trouble.
the side ones rust from the outside in and leak.

it's a manifold off job to replace them, but not a hard job to do.
don't wright the headgasket off untill you have proof it stuffed

Last edited by tickford_6 on Sun Jun 25, 2006 12:04 am, edited 1 time in total.

Gotta agree. The back plugs generally don't give grief but the side ones are a problem. Put brass ones back in. Don't write off the head till you have done some more tests. It is extremely unlikely that the block is stuffed.

I agrre with XH. He's never led me astray ( accept for Sat Nites on the piss!!!)

how coud leaking out the welsh plugs stuff the block,as they have said,,take the mani's off change the plugs then test it,,unless theres evidence of a stuffed hg don't worry about it.

guys

thanx heaps for the replies.

So welsh plugs on the sides of the block are common?

would I be able to figure out if the hg is gone by just doing a compression test? I am guessing one or two of the cylinders would be markedly different to the others if the hg is in fact gone.

what other tests can i do?

cheers

James