Classic Mustangs List Archive

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Mail From: Ray Fontanilla (email redacted)

Hello!

To all who helped with suggestions and advice: "Thank you."
I just wanted to share the good news that I did not have to spend a bundle
to buy a new engine.

Here was the problem: I have a 65 289. There was an internal coolant leak
that put lots and lots of steam out my driver's side tail pipe, but not so
much out the passenger side. So I suspected a crack in the drivers side
cylinder head. But I was prepared for a more serious crack in the engine
block--and buying a new engine. I even considered selling the car (which I
have grown to really, really love) and cutting my losses. But before doing
any of that I decided to try one more thing.

The experiment. Because the steam seemed to be coming out the left tail
pipe only, I figured that the right cylinder head was intact. So I went
out to a junk yard and got a cylinder head. I moved the right cylinder
head to the left side and put in the 'new' head on the right side.

The possible results: (1.) The leak would be gone. (2.) the steam would
move to the passenger side, since I didn't know for sure that the junk yard
head was intact. (3.) the steam would stay on the driver's side--indicating
a block leak.

Fortunately for me, I ended up with result number 1. I spent 3 weeks and
about $200, instead of $2400 for a new engine. I am soooo happy!

Again, thank you to everyone who helped. This list is a great resource.
And in a world where everything is "ME! ME! ME!" it makes me happy and
proud to see us helping each other out.


Ray Fontanilla
'65 289 (the steam dragon has been tamed...now on to other problems...)




Ray Fontanilla
Imaging Facility Technician
Molecular and Cellular Biology
University of California, Davis
(916)752-7253

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