Overheated, Thermostat Housing

[mdawson2121]

Ok, I have a '04 Explorer 4.0 liter SOHC flex fuel 4x4 that unfortunately overheated couple nights ago. The temperature gauge shot up high then went below cold, A/C stopped working an by the time i pulled over my engine shut down. Then there was the smoke/steam from under the hood.

I figured out that the thermostat went bad and melted the seal in the Thermostat Housing (aka water outlet). I have replaced with all new housing, thermostat, coolant temp sensor, o-ring and gasket. my car won't start, need help.

 

[drbombay]

won't roll over or won't start?

 

[mdawson2121]

it cranks but won't fire.

 

[mdawson2121]

Update

I have researched the crap out of this and asked numerous people trying to figure out if the head is cracked or I just blew a head gasket. The 90% of consensou is I blew a head gasket. I have decided to take the head out to replace and inspect the gaskets.

I have gotten all the way down to the valve springs and rocker arms. I am waiting for the valve spring compressor tool to get here so i can finish taking the head out. I will post pics and videos soon.