Has anyone run into a cracked block situation on a mid 90s Tbird 4.6 (196,000 kms or 120,000 miles)? I had an engine shop do a partial teardown on the engine. The intake manifold was fine. The head was tested and was okay. The head gasket itself showed no signs of any damage that could have caused the massive internal coolant leak into the oil system. The shop suspected a cracked block. I have the car at a different shop right now and they may or may not be looking at the block itself as they do a complete engine swap. Just wondering if anyone at the forum has run into this problem of a cracked block or is it just my bad luck?
Cracked Block? 1995 Tbird LX 4.6
- Thread starter gfmarsh
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Has anyone run into a cracked block situation on a mid 90s Tbird 4.6 (196,000 kms or 120,000 miles)? I had an engine shop do a partial teardown on the engine. The intake manifold was fine. The head was tested and was okay. The head gasket itself showed no signs of any damage that could have caused the massive internal coolant leak into the oil system. The shop suspected a cracked block. I have the car at a different shop right now and they may or may not be looking at the block itself as they do a complete engine swap. Just wondering if anyone at the forum has run into this problem of a cracked block or is it just my bad luck?
Rolling-Thunder
Well-known member
jc deem
New member
Re: 4.6 cracked block
I know all too well about that, my first 95 bird had 4 cracks in the block, the car had 133k on it when it happened, however I suspect that whoever had the car before me had neglected the car something terrible, when I took the engine apart, there was so much rust in the water.
if you find a 4.6L with low milage, that would be the best way to go, but also, with any used engine, I would highly recommend replacing all gaskets and seals before putting the engine into the car, it may cost a little, but well worth the ease of mind going down the road.
any other questions, you can email me at [email protected]
I know all too well about that, my first 95 bird had 4 cracks in the block, the car had 133k on it when it happened, however I suspect that whoever had the car before me had neglected the car something terrible, when I took the engine apart, there was so much rust in the water.
if you find a 4.6L with low milage, that would be the best way to go, but also, with any used engine, I would highly recommend replacing all gaskets and seals before putting the engine into the car, it may cost a little, but well worth the ease of mind going down the road.
any other questions, you can email me at [email protected]
gfmarsh said:
Ford must have released some cars with bad castings during that year(s). I guess rust could be a factor since the block is iron. I was also told from a friend in the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) that some of their CV mid 90s 4.6 engine blocks had machining problems, which caused internal leaks, and it also made it impossible to correctly fit the heads. Ford had to replace a lot of their motors during that time. This is probably something that was never on the books anywhere even in a secret warranty.
I found an engine with 18,000 miles with good compression for $1700 (CAD). Sure would be nice to get my car back soon.
I found an engine with 18,000 miles with good compression for $1700 (CAD). Sure would be nice to get my car back soon.
Turns out my block wasn't cracked and the head gasket
was at fault. The first shop, Moore's Auto Centre in Calgary,
examined the engine and gave a misdiagnosis. In my haste
to get the car mobile, and assuming their 'professional' advice
was correct I ordered a used engine to replace mine which was
an extra $2000 I didn't need to really spend.
was at fault. The first shop, Moore's Auto Centre in Calgary,
examined the engine and gave a misdiagnosis. In my haste
to get the car mobile, and assuming their 'professional' advice
was correct I ordered a used engine to replace mine which was
an extra $2000 I didn't need to really spend.