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Overheated, should I replace the head gasket?

Tiny
AARON BERGERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD EDGE
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
The other day my daughter was driving it and it overheated and it started to shake but not smoke. I went to get the car, put antifreeze in it and drove it home. It drove just fine until I got to my block than it heated up again and shut off. I let it cool down, put more antifreeze in it and drove it another block. I checked it the next day and my antifreeze was almost gone. Turns out my water pump went out. The pump is connected to the timing chain, so all the antifreeze went into the oil. I have it all ripped apart right now and the pump is shot for sure. I took my spark plugs out. They were all dry and looked fine. My question is, should I change the head gasket? Could a water pump make it shake?
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 1:22 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Aaron,

Have you confirmed the coolant mixed with the engine oil? I ask because there is a weep hole that coolant will leak from in the event of pump failure. A weep hole is provided on the front left side of the engine behind the alternator.

As far as the shaking, certainly being overheated can cause that. Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if things mirror what you are seeing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

The link goes in-depth as far as testing, but see if any of the common signs exist.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
AARON BERGERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for the link. The only thing that applies is coolant in the oil. I took the timing cover off and I could see a bead of water where the pump leaked. No other signs of problems. The car ran normally until the heat spiked. There was no fluid anywhere outside the engine. It just got really hot when the coolant ran out. Everything looks fine accept the sprocket for the water pump. I'm only 12 boils away from the head gasket but I don't want to get into it if I don't have to.
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
If you have things taken apart already, it's going to be tough to determine if the head gasket is an issue. I would have recommend checking engine compression to see if they are close to each other across the board. Do you already have the timing chain off?

Let me know. Also, if the oil has coolant in it, chances are a head gasket failed. The pump itself shouldn't have let coolant mix with the oil.

Let me know what you decide. I have all the directions for either way you want to go.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 3:01 PM
Tiny
AARON BERGERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Well, I do have gaskets on the way. I wanted to replace all the ones from what ib to apart any way. I guess I will just go that part a little bit and change the head gasket. I had a buddy tell me if I change the head gasket, I will need to replace the piston rings, is that true?
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Wow, I never heard of that. No, you don't need to replace the rings. I have no idea where he heard about that. At least in 40 years, I never heard that and never replaced them.

Since you are already into this, I am going to provide the directions for reinstalling the cylinder heads. Interestingly, the manual does one at a time and the directions are extensive, so please don't be overwhelmed when you see them.

Just a note, when you clean gasket surfaces on this engine, don't use something that can cut into the metal.

Also, I just went through the installation for the left cylinder head. When I went to the right side, it is basically the same info, so I'm not going to overwhelm you with that info unless you feel it's needed. The most important parts of the directions below are how to torque the heads and the specs.

If you need help with the timing chain, let me know.

Take care and let me know how things turn out for you or if I can help in any way.

Joe

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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
AARON BERGERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you so much. Parts will be here tomorrow, I'll let you know if I need anything else. I really appreciate the help!
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Friday, July 29th, 2022 AT 5:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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No problem, Aaron. Let me know how things turn out for you. Also, to get the timing chains on correctly will require a camshaft holding tool. Often times a part store will lend one to you.

Aaron, I attached the directions for replacing the timing chain. It's a bit involved.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, July 29th, 2022 AT 9:04 PM

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