A high mileage is not a necessary condition for a repair, and a low mileage cannot be a reason for an unconditional refusal to repair. Probably the most important thing to consider is the frequency of maintenance. An engine on which oil and filters are regularly changed, as well as the necessary maintenance procedures are carried out, will be able to confidently cover many thousands of kilometers. Conversely, an engine that is not taken care of can require repair very quickly.
Excessive oil consumption is an indication that piston rings, valve seals and/or valve guides need attention. Check for oil leaks before concluding that rings and/or guides are worn. Check compression (see chapter 2A or 2B) to determine the possible cause of the malfunction.
Reduced power, uneven running, knocking and grinding, increased valve noise, and high fuel consumption - all of these phenomena can indicate the need for repair, especially if they occur at the same time. If complex maintenance does not eliminate the malfunction, it is necessary to carry out a major overhaul.
The overhaul includes restoring all internal engine parts to new engine specification.
Note: Before starting repairs, find out what spare parts are available. Ford dealers, specialist dealers, and reputable auto parts stores can advise you on how to deal with some replacement parts missing.
When performing a major overhaul, pistons and piston rings are usually replaced, and the cylinders are bored. Usually also install new liners of main and connecting rod bearings. If necessary, to compensate for the wear of the crankshaft journals, it is processed. The condition of the valves also usually necessitates maintenance. It is also recommended to replace the alternator and starter. An engine that has undergone a high-quality repair must pass many more thousands of kilometers. Note: According to the manufacturer's instructions, V-6 engines do not include the following: cylinder bore or honing, crankshaft regrinding, reinstallation after removal of the lower crankcase, and replacement of main bearings.
Normally, when doing a major overhaul, the valves should also be dealt with, since they are not in very good condition by this time. We advise you to repair also other engine components, such as the starter and alternator, if you can get spare parts for them. Then, after the repair, you will receive an almost new engine, which will save you trouble for many thousands of kilometers.
Note: Coolant system components such as hoses, thermostat, and coolant pump must be replaced during repairs. Carefully check the radiator for blockages or leaks (chapter 3). When repairing, it is also always recommended to replace the oil pump.
Before starting the repair, study the full description of the operation in order to familiarize yourself with the list of works and the requirements for them. It will be easy for you to carry out repairs, provided that all instructions are followed exactly, tools and equipment are available, and attention to specifications is taken into account. Count on the fact that you will not drive the car for at least two weeks, especially if some parts require repair in a special auto center. Check for necessary parts, special tools and equipment. Most work is done with typical hand tools, although some gauges are required when inspecting parts to determine if they need to be replaced.
Note: To decide whether what repair operations must be performed during machining, the engine must be completely disassembled, and all parts and assemblies (especially cylinder block/crankcase and crankshaft) control. The condition of these nodes is the basis for the conclusion about whether to repair the engine or purchase a remanufactured one. Therefore, do not purchase parts or carry out repairs using new components without carefully inspecting them. Since the main cost of repair is time, do not buy worn or non-standard parts for installation.
Finally, to ensure maximum service life and prevent malfunctions of a refurbished engine, perform assembly work carefully and in a clean environment.
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