Ugh, I Think I Have A Bad Head Gasket; Advice Needed Please

[New Explorer Guy]

Hi Gang,

I have a leak (antifreeze) coming from above the freeze plug (passenger side) on my 96 Explorer (V6 SOHC, 160k). I'm assuming it's the head gasket but feel free to post with any other type of problem it might be. It's not leaking a lot nor is there any H20 in the oil so I'm guessing (once again) it's not major (at least not yet). It's kind of hard to see exactly where in the engine compartment, I have to view from below.

A couple of questions; how do I test for the leak (a web search yields different opinions on a pressure test) and what are my options on a repair? Of course the answer to the latter is for a new head gasket (provided that's the problem) but should I replace both or just the leaking one?

Any advice or comments are appreciated, thanks in advance.
New Explorer Guy

 

[steadyhand]

To replace a headgasket on a SOHC engine is a real pain. If you have to replace one you should replace the other. You don't want to tear that engine apart again shortly later.

 

[New Explorer Guy]

"To replace a headgasket on a SOHC engine is a real pain. If you have to replace one you should replace the other. You don't want to tear that engine apart again shortly later."

Yeah that's what I thought, I did some Google searching on the problem.

I know this will have some shaking their heads but is using some type of head gasket sealant (Bar's etc.) in the coolant an option? My thought is to try a cheap repair before I shell out some $$$ in an attempt to fix it. I did a search on that and found differing opinions.

Thank you for the reply,
New Explorer Guy

 

[2000StreetRod]

Sohc v6?

Are you sure that you have the SOHC V6? I thought the first year of production was 1997. Check the 8th digit in your VIN. If an X then you have the OHV V6. If an E then you have the SOHC V6 which looks like this:

 

[New Explorer Guy]

"Are you sure that you have the SOHC V6?"

Yes, it is a SOHC V6. Says so on the cover on top of the engine.

Thank you,
New Explorer Guy

 

[my98nnj]

How it that possible in a 96?

 

[Blee1099]

He may be going by the manufacturer build date on the door.. Is the 8th digit in your VIN a E or X and is the 10th digit a V?

 

[RomeovilleIL]

I know this will have some shaking their heads but is using some type of head gasket sealant (Bar's etc.) in the coolant an option? My thought is to try a cheap repair before I shell out some $$$ in an attempt to fix it. I did a search on that and found differing opinions.

The short answer is yes you can use leakstop. The barsleaks pellet stuff seems to be the most effective with gasket leaks from what I have seen over the years. It very likely will work in the short term but it is a temporary fix. You have no way of knowing when it will give out. Might be years, might be a day depending on how bad the leak was to begin with. A small seep is probably the best case scenario for use.

BUT if you use it be prepared for a mess when you fix it the right way. One look in the overflow tank of any vehicle with leakstop in it will tell you immediately what you are in for. Those products work by putting a durable coat of gunk on everything so by design it's a pain to flush out later. Even worse you can end up with a plugged radiator or heater core in the process.

 

[New Explorer Guy]

"Is the 8th digit in your VIN a E or X and is the 10th digit a V?"

Hmmm...looking at my VIN the 8th digit is a E and the 10th is a V. Further looking at my registration shows it's a 1997. Whoops! Sorry about that Chief (with apologies to Maxwell Smart).

I'm waffling on using some type of leakstop, sounds to me like it makes quite a mess internally.

I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and replace both head gaskets. Too bad really, I haven't owed the truck for very long and haven't driven more than 2000 miles.

Here's the question no one has replied to yet, how do I know for certain it's the head gasket? Pressure leak test or something other?

Oh well, and so it goes.

Thanks again to all who replied,
New Explorer Guy

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Yup - go buy or rent a pressure tester from any autoparts store. Pump up the system and chances are good you will find the leak. It could be coming from another spot and simply traveling to where you happen to see it collect so check carefully.

Instead of trying to guage what you can see on the block, how much fluid is missing from the overflow or radiator and how quickly does the level drop? If you lose a lot of fluid but only see a small amount on the outside, there might be coolant leaking into the cylinders and burning off.

 

[New Explorer Guy]

"Instead of trying to guage what you can see on the block, how much fluid is missing from the overflow or radiator and how quickly does the level drop? If you lose a lot of fluid but only see a small amount on the outside, there might be coolant leaking into the cylinders and burning off."

This has just happened recently (over the weekend) when I noticed a burning antifreeze smell coming out of the engine compartment. The reservoir had fluid in it but needed a little bit added. It's not a huge leak (yet), just some seeping. I'm guessing it's burning off in the cylinders.

Thank you,
New Explorer Guy

 

[2000StreetRod]

thermostat housing

The thermostat housing on the SOHC V6 frequently develops leaks.

The leak runs down the valley and drips at the rear of the block.

The large round plug is the jackshaft rear plug. It is not a freeze plug.
Don't assume that you have a blown head gasket which is more common in the OHV V6.

 

[New Explorer Guy]

"The thermostat housing on the SOHC V6 frequently develops leaks...Don't assume that you have a blown head gasket which is more common in the OHV V6."

Wow, you guys (and girls if the case may be) are pretty good! And fast at replying...

I plan on taking my truck to a mechanic (who is also a friend of mine) for a diagnosis tomorrow. I will post an update tomorrow or when I find out the problem.

Thanks again everyone,
NEG (a.k.a. New Explorer Guy)

 

[DaExplorer]

Don't jump too quickly to head gasket. There could be other places to look first. Like 2000Streetrod showed the thermostat housing. Also check the heater hoses which also run on the passenger side. A small pin hole could spray onto the engine. You could hope as this would be an cheeper and easier fix.