capedcrusader

first time post with a couple of questions:

so I took my 3.8 V6 to the ford dealership to get diagnosed, and they came back with reports of cylinders 1, 2, & 3 having low compression. with the symptoms I was having driving around town, I suspected that it was a blown head gasket.

I broke the engine down myself, all the way to the passenger side cylinders and found the head gasket was indeed blown.

anyway I suspect that the previous owner ran the engine overheated and thats what caused it. is that possible? also could there be any other reason as to why my cylinders have low compression? I would hate to put everything back together and still have the same problem.

also, while I have the engine broken down this far I was wondering if y'all had any suggestions for mods that would yield more horsepower. I don't feel like taking my cylinders to a shop to get bored and all that jazz; I'll keep the stock setup. But I plan on replacing the timing belt and maybe adding a cold air intake later. I've heard that getting a new cam could also beef a car up. worth it?

oh, and one more thing. of course my hand in the picture is covering it up, but I found it curious that the gasket was closed over on two of the water ports. there was a build up of rust so I expect water was trying to push through, but even on replacement gaskets I've looked at one side is closed over. i see open ports on both side of the cylinders so whats up with that?

capedcrusader

oh, and the mustang is a 98.

samiamthemustangman

Leak down test Should be done after a compression test. Tells you if the piston rings are bad. Hate to tell you its a block problem.

warthogdriver

when my 95 engine blew the head gasket i pulled it and swapped in a 99 3.8 then tossed on the windstar intake to top it off...would recommend it. also could do a split port swap if keeping your bottom end.
your heads will need to be machined before you can put them back on....but if your keeping your engine then test as recommended above.

PNYXPRESS

You had low compression because of the blown headgasket and the pressure was escaping into the cooling system. Once you replace the gasket you should gain back your compression, as long as the head didnt warp due to heat.

samiamthemustangman

I had valve issues with my head. But, I drive it like I stole it.
4.2 upper, rockers, bored and wish it was stroked, stage 1 clutch, tuner, short shifter, and under drive pulleys. Moding gets expensive.