Wondering what month/year Ford first put the hybrid I6 engines in EL's?
My EL Fairmont wagon is a December 97 model so would that have the hybrid I6?

should say 96d on the head if it's hybrid

Cheers Troy...I'll have a look tomorrow (Fingers crossed it's 96d).

The Block casting number will start with VR2A if it's a hybrid

Feb 98 they started running out the Hybrids.

I doubt its a Hybrid, there's no power difference between them anyway so I wouldn't worry if you had either. Only need to know if you are changing camshafts.

It's not the power output I was worried about nor the idea of changing camshafts but mainly the thought of the AU MLS head gasket is what I find appealing with the hybrid I6 engines.

They still use the same head gasket from earlier heads.

The plain alloy rocker cover is a giveaway too for a Hybrid.

unless it's an xr of cause

Feb 98 they started putting them in til oct 98!!!!!!!!

4.0L Engine Revision

As of January 1998, EL Falcon will be fitted with a revised I6 engine. The revision will be completely transparent as far as the Customer is concerned (no change to engine appearance, power output fuel economy, service requirements, etc). It will also be transparent to you as far as basic engine maintenance and diagnostic procedures are concerned.

However, where internal engine repairs are to be performed, it is important that the Technician realises the difference and is aware of the unique engine re-assembly procedures and specifications.

Interchangeability of parts between the old and the new level engines is not possible except where replacement part numbers are unchanged. Do not attempt to fit new level parts to the new engine, or vice versa.


Vehicle Identification
There will be a period during January 1998 when both the old and the new level engines will be used at the Assembly plant. Thus the vehicle build date may not necessarily identify the level of engine fitted to the vehicle.

Old level engines can be identified by a 95DA of 95DT casting on the cylinder head and a 96DA casting on the engine block.

New level engines can be identified by a 96DA or 96DT casting on the cylinder head and a VR2A casting on the engine block.

Note: Approximately 1,600 of these new engines will have the old level head and valvetrain fitted. The same idetification method may be used to individually identify new/old level heads.

Generally speaking, the engine dissassembly/assembly procedures are unchanged. The main difference is the size and shape of various internal components. It is important that only new level components are used as replacement parts as in many cases the old level parts will not fit or will lead to the failure of other components.

With respect to major engine repairs, the main points that you will need to keep in mind are:
-revised hardware tightening torque specifications (some components are now 'torque to yield').
-revised bolt tightening sequences.
-revised camshaft-to-crankshaft timing procedure.


Lash Adjuster Removal
The procedure for lash adjuster removal is unchanged. However the retaining ring has been deleted so that the piston may separate from the main body during removal if care is not taken. It is still recommended that the lash adjuster not be dismantled.


Parts Information
The following list identifies the upgraded parts used in the Falcon I6 engine

-Engine Block (identified by VR2A casting instead of 96DA)
-Crankshaft
-Crankshaft Sprocket
-Idler Sprocket
-Idler Sprocker Bolt (black finish)
-Timing Chain
-Crankshaft Main Bearing Caps
-Main Bearings
-Con Rod Nuts & Bolts (WR2A stamped on bolt) - torque to yield
-Flywheel Bolts (auto trans only)
-Cylinder Head (identified by 96DA or 96DT casting insted of 94DA or 95DT)
-Camshaft
-Camshaft Sprocket
-Camshaft Sprocket Bolt (black finish)
-Inlet and Exhaust Valves, Guides, Springs and Stem Seals
-Rocker Arms and Washers
-Rocker Shafts and Supports

Torque To Yield. Components MUST be discarded and replaced if removed or loosened.

Specifications.
-Con Rod Nuts : 25Nm, then rotate an additional 90 degrees.
-Camshaft & Idler Sprocket Bolts : 20Nm, then rotate an additional 40 degrees.

Were there any changes to base timing methods? Seems everything else is different!

Cheers

Big Kev