1993 Ford E-Series Van Head Gasket?

1993 Ford E-Series Van

This was my previous question:


1993 Ford E-Series Van Automatic

Van is overheating. I don't use the AC, but the motor was continuously running, so I disconnected it. It seems to only over heat after long trips "like state to state." Today, however, it was different than before. The reserve tank was gurgling and smoking. I shut the the van waited till it stopped and filled the reserve tank with 2 gallons of water. Turned the Van on and it immediately started boiling and gurgling again in the reserve tank. Is this a water pump problem? The smell is bad. The heat from the engine comes up through the bottom like where your feet are when you drive and the bottom of the van is extremely hot inside, like the middle of the floor. That's probably something else though.

This was your reponse:

Hi there,

Start with a cooling system pressure test to see if there are any external leaks, change the thermostat as well. I would also do a head check to check for exhaust gas in the cooling system. Start here.

Mark (mhpautos)

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I did like you suggested and was told I blew a head gasket and that my heater core is leaking. I thought when you blew a head gasket there was "white smoke". He said I need to replace the engine and that it would cost $1,600.00. Engines are way more than that. I think all they are going to do is replace the head gasket and charge me that because it's in a difficult spot and the engine needs to be taken apart. Am I correct in my assumption or no? And wouldn't the engine make a knocking noise as well? The truck is overheating, there is steam from the "reserve tank" boiling. There is NO smoke. It overheats within 5 minutes of starting a cold engine. I think the water isn't circulating, and that the thermostat isn't opening and closing as it should. I also think the water pump needs to be replaced. Thank you for your previous response :)

Michelle