Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Head Gasket Broken???

Ok the car has 85k miles, and the owner was driving down the road an the car got VERY hot, but not completely overheating, around the "L" in "NORMAL". Stopped, pulled over, and car was towed home. There is no effect in driveability, and no smoke. Looks like the oil is fine, but there is a slight oil leak. A mechanic said it was the headgasket, and valvecover gasket, but for some reason I doubt it is the headgasket...Any other ideas? I was thinking the water pump, but I dont know how to check it.

If it is the headgaskets, what would it cost to have a mechanic replace them at $65/hr labor?

Thanks,
Jared

Could be the WP. Check and see if the hoses are cooler after the WP than before. Also you my want to check the thermostat.
-tropictour

Test for WP or thermostat broken.

Turn to max heat. Warm air out the vents = broken WP. Hot air most probably thermostat stuck on closed.

Change oil and filter. Check consistency of oil.

Do the el cheapo headgasket test.
Fill coolant to the brim on recovery tank (leave cap off). Remove all spark plug wires. Remove all but one spark plug and have someone crank the engine. If the coolant bubbles over, there is a leak from that portion of the engine (or cylinder). If not, go to the next cylinder, and then the next.... Note, it could be more than one area or more than one cylinder.