High mileage is not a prerequisite for repairs, and low mileage is not a reason to absolutely refuse repairs. Perhaps most importantly, consider the frequency of maintenance. An engine that regularly changes oil and filters, and carries out the necessary maintenance procedures, will be able to confidently travel many thousands of kilometers. Conversely, an engine that is not taken care of may very quickly require repairs.
Excessive oil consumption is an indication that attention should be paid to the piston rings, valve seals and/or valve guides. Before concluding that the rings and/or guides are worn, check for oil leaks. Check the compression (see chapter 2A or 2B) to determine the possible cause of the malfunction.
Loss of power, uneven running, knocking and grinding, increased valve noise, and high fuel consumption - all of these phenomena may indicate the need for repairs, especially if they occur simultaneously. If comprehensive maintenance does not eliminate the faults, a major overhaul is required.
A major overhaul involves rebuilding all internal engine components to new engine specifications.
Note: Before you begin repairs, find out what spare parts are available. Ford dealers, employees of specialized service stations and consultants of reputable auto parts stores can suggest you options for overcoming difficulties in the absence of some parts for replacement.
During a major overhaul, pistons and piston rings are usually replaced, and the cylinders are bored. New main and connecting rod bearing liners are usually also installed. If necessary, the crankshaft journals are machined to compensate for wear. The condition of the valves also usually requires maintenance. It is also recommended to replace the alternator and starter. An engine that has undergone a quality overhaul should travel many more thousands of kilometers. Note: According to the manufacturer's instructions, the following is not provided for V-shaped 6-cylinder engines: boring or honing of cylinders, regrinding of the crankshaft, reinstallation after removal of the lower crankcase, and replacement of main bearings.
Usually, when performing a major overhaul, you should also take care of the valves, since they are not in very good condition by this time. We advise you to also repair other engine units, such as the starter and generator, if you can get spare parts for them. Then after the repair, you will get a practically new engine, which will save you from trouble for many thousands of kilometers.
Note: When repairing, it is necessary to replace such components of the cooling system as hoses, thermostat and coolant pump. Carefully check the radiator for blockages or leaks (Chapter 3). It is always recommended to replace the oil pump when repairing.
Before you begin repairs, read the full description of the operation to familiarize yourself with the list of works and requirements for them. Carrying out repairs will not be difficult for you, provided that all instructions are followed precisely, the tools and equipment are available, and the specifications are carefully followed. Expect to not drive the car for at least two weeks, especially if some parts require repair at a specialized auto center. Check that you have the necessary parts, special tools and equipment. Most work is performed using standard hand tools, although some measuring instruments are required when inspecting parts to determine whether they need to be replaced.
Note: To decide what repairs need to be performed during machining, the engine must be completely disassembled and all parts and assemblies (especially the cylinder block/crankcase and crankshaft) inspected. The condition of these assemblies is the basis for deciding whether to repair the engine or buy a reconditioned one. Therefore, do not purchase parts or perform repairs using new assemblies 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 the repaired engine, perform assembly work carefully and in a clean area.