I was having a lovely day today. On my way home with the family when the idle went rough. Then a horrible noise. Then the engine cut out

I'm pretty sure it's the timing chain. Only done 65k and these things are supposed to last for ever.

Pulled the manifold - it has some wee bits of metal in it so something is FUBAR'd.

Pulled the front rocker cover. Head and chain looked fine. Must be the rear bank. Will take the rear rocker cover off tomorrow and survey the carnage. Next thing to do is pull the head. If the pistons are damaged I'm swapping in a new engine or breaking the car but if it's just the head I'll replace it.

How hard is it to pull the head? Looks like there's quite a lot of room to approach the exhaust manifold from underneath. I've got no manual - what order am I supposed to undo the head bolts?

Anyone got a spare head or even a whole 2.5 Duratec they want to sell me?

I'm also in the market for another Ford on a temporary basis until I get the barge fixed, must have 5 doors, be cheap and be in Scotland.

Cheers

 

You can pick a used v6 engine for buttons so be quicker swapping the engine.

 

You reckon it's easier to swap the engine than swap a head?

 

Mostly yes getting the rear head off is an arse and then theres the chain cover too ! BTW I have the factory build manual its yours if you cover the postage.

 

You and Chris are right - I can't even get the flipping cover off. One bolt is fouled by the engine lifting bracket. Can't take the lifting bracket off because the loom is in the way.

This is an engine out job whatever way you look at it.

Went and put a deposit on a 2001 LX 2.0 with a genuine 50k on the clock and a full service history. I rather think the Ghia is going to become a parts donor.

It's a shame, went like a Learjet

I've PM'd you about the manual

 

I always thought it was an engine out job to take the head off anyway

 

Pretty sure I could have got the front head off - but I'm sure you're right about the back one.

 

I bought the LX, and basically hate it. So will be fixing the Ghia as a project. Will remove the engine, get a good look at it, and then make the decision as to whether to fix it or swap a whole new lump in.

 

Perfect time for a 3.0 st220 or 3.0 jag x type engine (260ps)

 

Straight swap or is the loom and plumbing different?