head gasket in van

[dykstrat]

I bought an 86 6.9L,banks turbo, gearvender OD about 2 weeks ago. It's a E350 cargo. Water is getting pushed out the coolant bottle and there are bubbles. I posted the problem on the 6.9 L forum. After trying just about everything, it seems that the head gasket is leaking. The rig runs great,plenty of power, no sign of water in oil or the other way either ????? Does anyone have experience with doing the heads on a VAN ?

[Snotzalot]

>Does anyone have experience with doing the heads on a VAN

I read your question in the 6.9 and I've done heads on a 81 E350 with a 460 gas motor and as suggested they come out through the rear.

However compared to the 7.3 a 460 has tons of room so I don't know if you can get the exhaust manifolds off so that the heads can be removed.

Frankly your best bet for info is walk into your friendly Ford store and ask politely to read the service manual for this vehicle.

I've also done R&R of the same 460 in the E350 and this was easier than the heads!

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Regards,

Paul '90 E350 7.3L Ex-Ambulance High Top 215K

My New 90' E350 First Day Home

[Snotzalot]

I just reread the post in the 6.9 and if you decide to pull the engine, don't try pulling the engine and the trans. You have to separate the engine and trans and pull the engine alone.

Seats need to come out and dog house removed, as well as grille, radiator and A/C condensor. You'll need A cherry picker type of puller to pull the engine out.

Also, lift the engine, remove the engine mounts, drop the engine back onto the frame then shorten the chain between the engine and cherry picker, then remove the engine.

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Regards,

Paul '90 E350 7.3L Ex-Ambulance High Top 215K

My New 90' E350 First Day Home

[Snotzalot]

dykstrat,

I just pulled the dog house off my van to replace the airfilter and in my opinion the heads can be replaced keeping the motor in the van.

There is actually more room and easier access to the heads on the 7.3 than I had on the 460 gas.

You might consider a cherry picker to help lift the heads off and slide back into the interior.

When I did my heads on the 460 gas motor, to help with installation, I placed a small sheet of plywood over the valley, slid the head forward on and and then, with help, slid the head over into position.

You won't have a picnic doing this job, but in my opinion it can be done.



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Regards,

Paul '90 E350 7.3L Ex-Ambulance High Top 215K

My New 90' E350 First Day Home