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1993 Ford Head Gasket????
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kym1977
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Feb 26, 2007, 9:20 AM
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1993 Ford Head Gasket????
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1993 Ford Suburban 1.9L EFI approx 150,000 miles
The car at first had no problems with overheating and coolant level was physically fine but the "check coolant" light was always on. I had the oil checked at a full serivce station and asked what could be the cause, they told me either I needed a head gasket or it was a sensor. He checked the antifreeze and oil and the fluids were not exchanging, so I had a sensor replaced and the light remained off.
About a month later I noticed my car wasnt exactly overheating but the temp was higher than normal. The next day I lost heat in the car.
A few days later the car overheated after driving it for 4 miles. I sat in a parking lot not knowing what to do with the car off and let it cool down. It cooled down and by the time I got home 4 miles away from the parking lot, it was overheated again.
My boyfriend had an emergency and need the car to go approximately 3 miles away. He made it to his destination and 2 miles back in to the return trip the car lost all power and stopped running. He tried to let it sit to cool down and the engine would crank, but not start. So he had it towed home and it sat for 6 weeks until we could find a way to fix it.
Thr radiator was removed (blackened) and replaced 2 days ago. The engine would crank but not start.
The thermostat was replaced yesterday with the same result.
Here are some findings...
The spark plugs are wet and smell of gas (complete tune up was done a week or so before the first time it overheated)
The fuel pump "hums" when the ignition switch is first turned on.
No improvement when the battery is fully charged
The PCV hose has a bit of milky substance at the opening, and the same color and consistancy of fluid is also found leaking what looks to be under the thermostat housing. Still the oil is clean and always has been.
The car has never leaked anything prior to it breaking down.
My boyfriend and I are at complete loss to what the problem is besides the head gasket. Our next step is to have the vehicle towed to his mechainc to have the head gasket removed and replaced, which of course is an expensive job.
I was wondering if anything I have revealed shows that the problem most likely is the head gasket... or if it could be another problem that is being over looked. Is there something else that could be done to "test" the car to see if it is in fact the head gasket?
Sorry about this post being so lengthy.. I wanted to have as many details as I could to find a possible solution
Thank you all for your time and I WILL get back to you with updates!!
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way2old
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Feb 26, 2007, 2:03 PM
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Re: 1993 Ford Head Gasket????
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Have you checked for spark at the plugs? I see no mention of spark being checked. If there is no spark, you will have the symptoms you describe. I believe the ignition control module is located on the front of the drivers side strut tower. It could also be the crank sensor that is not allowing the computer to know the engine is cranking. Please get back to us with more information and we can help more. Since you stated the plugs are wet with gas, it sounds like there is no spark getting to the plugs.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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DanD
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Feb 26, 2007, 2:29 PM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: 1993 Ford Head Gasket????
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I’m not sure what happened when I tried to put the two treads that were started by you into one but I think we’ll follow this one and I'll leave things alone. LOL.
Sorry for the mix up.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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kym1977
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Feb 26, 2007, 4:27 PM
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sorry about posting the same thing into two places... I wasnt sure where to post my problem.
We arent sure now if the real issue could be the timing belt or not. We could have a better idea if we knew exactly how to check for a spark. Some info onthat would be great!!
And Im not exactly sure how a timing belt could cause the leak near the motor but underneath the thermostat housing, unless of course its a completely different problem, such as head gasket.
We are still at a loss and are trying to find a way to get the car to the mechanics to have it evaluated to see what the problem most likely is.
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way2old
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Feb 26, 2007, 6:48 PM
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Re: 1993 Ford Head Gasket????
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The easiest way is to first check for spark at the spark plugs. Use a screwdriver and put it in the end of the wire where the plug fits. Hold onto the handle and hold the tip of screwdriver about 1/4 inch away from metal on the engine and see if there is a spark jumping to the engine. If there is spark at the plugs (bright blue spark), the ignition control module and crank sensor are OK. If not, then we need to start figuring out why the spark is missing. Chek all fuses with a test light or ohmmeter to be sure there is not a blown fuse causing the no start. Here is picture of crank sensor location.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
(This post was edited by way2old on Feb 26, 2007, 6:52 PM)
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kym1977
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Mar 3, 2007, 7:54 AM
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OK an update.
A new thermostat was replaced as well as the head gasket.
We now have an excellent spark to the engine, but the car still wouldnt turn over although it was sputtering a bit. It was discovered that the engine head is cracked, which is going to be replaced today, as well as the water pump and timing belt.
I will update you later today after all is done and let you know whether the car is up and running!!
So far.. just for other people to know just how much money was spent on the parts just in case they may have the same kind of problem..
Radiator
(like new from salvage yard) 40.00
Head gasket Kit 82.99
Thermostat 6.99
Water pump 49.99
Timing belt 21.99
new spark plugs @12.00
antifreeze 9.00
Oil 5 quarts @10.00
Oil filter (unsure)
Gasket sealer 6.00
Engine head
(from salvage yard) 100.00
Compression check
(from machine shop) 125.00
Thankfully my friend has only charged me $175 for labor seeing that he enjoys the challenge of working on cars
BUT its a very lengthy job!!
(This post was edited by kym1977 on Mar 3, 2007, 9:31 AM)
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kym1977
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Mar 3, 2007, 12:53 PM
Post #8 of 11
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Re: 1993 Ford Head Gasket????
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The timing belt is being replaced but we are looking for a diagram (or info) on how to set the timing belt in its proper place CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP SOON? Ive been looking online for diagrams or info and cant really find the right diagrams.
1993 Ford Escort Suburban v4 1.9
THANK YOU
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way2old
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Mar 3, 2007, 3:14 PM
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Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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kym1977
Novice
Mar 3, 2007, 7:40 PM
Post #10 of 11
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I am here to say
THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
The timing belt appeared to be practically new, but was replaced when the water pump was replaced. The diagram saved us 2 days because my friend would have had to go to the library to find a diagram himself to make sure everything was in its proper place. He said the main problem of the car started with the radiator, which in turn ruined the head gasket and then cracked the Motor Head. Thankfully, the motor itself was in excellent shape. The water pump was replaced as a safty precaution because he suspected that as a problem part as well.
My car is now running better than it has before and I will be putting the car back on the road as of Monday!!!
I have learned alot through this forum as well as looking at other sites online. I have also learned that when your car overheats..DO NOT IGNORE IT or think everything will be ok, because even driving a total of 12 miles will cost alot of money!!
I am so greatful FOR THIS FORUM and the information I recieved!!! not to mention greatful for a friend who made all the labor so possible (and inexpensively to me) and
Once again... THANK YOU!!!!!
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way2old
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Mar 3, 2007, 7:47 PM
Post #11 of 11
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Thank You for using the forum. You are paid in full and paid in advance for any future questions you have. Thank you's have a very good effect on us cyber wrenches. Enjoy the car.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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