HOW I FIXED THE BLOWN 4.6 ENGINE
Hi Folks , it is a while since our last contact re. my blown head gaskets.
many different replies and advices the request for advice to my Blown 4.6 in my 1996 P38 followed .
This is what I did:
- Replaced the 4.6 heads for fully ported 3,5 heads , had to cut one m8 hole up to a m8 hole for the alternator bracket and enlarged all exhaust ports to accommodate the larger header ports.
- Fitted the heads with NEW OEM bolts.
- Fitted near new headers all new gaskets.
- Found out that Viscous Coupling Fan did not work anymore - This was most likely the start of all problems - So I made that into a permanently fixed fan with two High Tensile M6 bolts in threaded holes and LockTite.
- When all assembled : Started engine and it ran a smooth as !! Took it for a careful run ..... bummer blew out all coolant through expansion bowl cap.
- Back to workshop : what to do : I decided to go step by step : Increasing in cost:
1- replaced Expansion Bowl cap >> Resulted in a little longer test drive but still blew coolant
2- replaced thermostat ( what a wicked thermostat that P38 has , the designer should be hanged on its balls ) >> again resulted in minor improvement perhaps but still blew coolant.
3- replaced Radiator for brand new one although old one warmed up all over equally >> made a little more difference but still after revving the car uphill real hard lost coolant >>> DESPAIR !!! HELP !!!
Since every new replacement made a small difference I came to the conclusion that perhaps the leak in the engine might be small.
After a few sleepless nights made up my mind and added RISLONE Liquid Copper™ Block Seal Intake & Radiator Stop Leak to the coolant. First I had studied their web site extensively - rislone.com.au - also Known as BAR LEAKS, I contacted the supplier by phone as well , all 'feeled' very positive. The instructions said to add the liquid , run engine 5 minutes to warm up , then let cool down a day. Just to be sure I did so 5 x during a week.
Out again for a test run , drove the P38 over a mixed terrain, bitumen, dirt road , some moderate climbs, and after 30 mins. stopped to check : ALL OK !!!!
Another test drive of 2 hours now , steeper hills higher speed . ALL OK !!!
Then on that stinking hot day before Christmas 2013 had to go from Sydney to Coonabarabran , temperatures near 38 degrees. Windscreen to hot for comfort. But the temperature needle stayed smack bang steady in the middle , did not move a hair thickness!!
:)
When I cam home told my wife how happy I was with RISLONE Liquid Copper™ Block Seal Intake & Radiator Stop Leak. Her dry reply : "you could have used it straight away and saved yourself a month of hanging in that damned car of yours :p " ......woman .....:twisted:
