2010 Ford Mustang Head Gasket Replacement: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Repair

Here's your comprehensive guide on addressing head gasket replacement for your 2010 Ford Mustang. Dealing with engine issues can be frustrating, but with the right information, you can tackle the problem effectively. As one owner shared, "A bunch of little things that all add up. Ford had some real hot-rodders on the Coyote team that were tired of getting their asses kicked by Chevrolet" (source. Let's dive into the details.

Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms early can save you from more significant damage. Overheating is one of the most frequently reported issues that might point to a head gasket problem. If the engine overheats frequently, even after you've checked the coolant levels, it could indicate that combustion gases are leaking into the cooling system due to a compromised head gasket.

Drivability problems can also surface. The vehicle may experience a surge or hesitation during acceleration. This can be due to inconsistent cylinder pressures, which are a direct result of a failing head gasket. If you're experiencing this, be sure to address the problem ASAP.

Another symptom to watch out for is a clicking noise. This sound may emanate from the engine and be more pronounced when the car is under load or accelerating. While a clicking noise can have multiple causes, when it's coupled with other symptoms like overheating and drivability issues, the head gasket should be considered as a possible culprit.

Finally, keep a close watch on your vehicle's temperature gauge. A persistently high reading, especially if it quickly spikes into the red zone, is a major red flag. Don't ignore these warnings signs!

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner experiences, overheating, possibly stemming from an overflow tank issue is the primary issue. This might lead to further damage to the head gasket. While seemingly unrelated, a malfunctioning overflow tank can lead to continuous coolant loss, which over time causes the engine to overheat. Overheating is a major contributing factor to head gasket failure. The constant heat cycles can weaken the head gasket material, causing it to crack and leak.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a head gasket leak requires careful observation and a few tools. Start by visually inspecting the engine for external coolant leaks around the head gasket area. Look for signs of coolant mixing with oil, which can appear as a milky or frothy substance on the oil dipstick or under the oil filler cap.

Next, perform a cooling system pressure test. This involves using a pressure tester to pressurize the cooling system and check for any pressure drops, which indicate a leak. You'll need a cooling system pressure tester, readily available at auto parts stores.

Another diagnostic step is to check for combustion gases in the coolant. You can use a block tester, which contains a special fluid that changes color in the presence of exhaust gases. If the fluid changes color when exposed to the air above the coolant, it confirms that combustion gases are leaking into the cooling system.

Finally, perform a compression test on each cylinder. This will help you identify any cylinders with low compression, which can be a sign of a head gasket leak. A compression tester is required for this step.

Step-by-Step Fix

Replacing a head gasket is a complex process and should only be attempted if you have experience with engine repairs. Here's a general outline:

1. Preparation: Disconnect the battery, drain the coolant and oil, and remove any components obstructing access to the cylinder heads, such as the intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, and valve covers.
2. Remove Cylinder Heads: Carefully remove the cylinder heads, following the manufacturer's instructions for bolt loosening sequence.
3. Inspect Cylinder Heads and Block: Check the cylinder heads and engine block for any signs of warping or damage. If necessary, have the cylinder heads resurfaced by a machine shop.
4. Clean Mating Surfaces: Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces of the cylinder heads and engine block, removing any old gasket material or debris.
5. Install New Head Gasket: Install the new head gasket, ensuring it is properly aligned with the cylinder head and engine block.
6. Reinstall Cylinder Heads: Reinstall the cylinder heads, following the manufacturer's instructions for bolt tightening sequence and torque specifications.
7. Reassemble Engine: Reinstall all components that were removed, such as the intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, and valve covers.
8. Refill Fluids: Refill the engine with coolant and oil.
9. Start Engine: Start the engine and check for any leaks or other issues.
10. Test Drive: Test drive the vehicle to ensure that the problem has been resolved.

As one owner mentioned, "I tried to wire wheel the placard the best I could but still hard to read. Looks like I have some kind of shorty headers that came on the car when I bought it" (source. Similarly, make sure to document and label all parts you remove to ensure correct reassembly.

Parts and Tools Needed

• New head gasket (specific to 2010 Ford Mustang engine)
• Head bolts (torque-to-yield bolts are often recommended for replacement)
• Coolant
• Engine oil
• Oil filter
• Cooling system pressure tester
• Block tester
• Compression tester
• Torque wrench
• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Pliers
• Scraper
• Cleaning supplies

Real Owner Costs

The cost of replacing a head gasket can vary widely depending on whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional mechanic.

DIY:

• Head gasket set: $100 - $300
• Head bolts: $50 - $150
• Coolant and oil: $50 - $100
• Tools (if needed): $100 - $300 (rental options are often available)

Total DIY cost: $300 - $850

Professional Mechanic:

• Labor: $800 - $2000 (depending on shop rates and complexity of the job)
• Parts: $200 - $500

Total professional cost: $1000 - $2500

Remember that these are estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on your location and the specific circumstances of your vehicle.

Prevention

Preventing head gasket failure involves maintaining the cooling system and avoiding engine overheating. Regularly check and maintain the coolant level, and ensure the cooling system is properly flushed and filled with the correct type of coolant. Avoid driving the car when it's overheating, as this can quickly damage the head gasket.

Also, make sure the overflow tank is functioning correctly. A faulty overflow tank can cause coolant loss and overheating, contributing to head gasket problems.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Owner Experiences

"On a whim I pulled a u-turn and went to read it, Old Town. Population 300 - lot of history in this town and a part of Washington's first travels in Maryland." — kbarney345 (source)

"Population 300 - lot of history in this town and a part of Washington's first travels in Maryland. I went down the road and found what was the old school." — kbarney345 (source)

"I tried to wire wheel the placard the best I could but still hard to read. Looks like I have some kind of shorty headers that came on the car when I bought it." — InternationalAd5640 (source)

Real Repair Costs

"I don’t know anything about the car or dealership, but if it’s not too good to be true, I figured I’d do a solid to anyone here who might be looking. I feel like, in this market, a low-mileage 1995 hard-top 5.0 manual for $7500 is a steal." — LastPlaceGuaranteed (source)

"I feel like, in this market, a low-mileage 1995 hard-top 5.0 manual for $7500 is a steal. If I had the slush fund to have 2 Mustangs, ain’t not fucking way I’d be posting this." — LastPlaceGuaranteed (source)

"I found myself what seems to be a sweet deal for $4.5k (CAD) for a 2008 4 litre v6 mustang automatic transmission with the premium package, however I am a bit scared of the odometer reading at just north of 200k." — haxOn- (DIY) (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a head gasket?

A: Replacing a head gasket can take anywhere from 8 to 16 hours, depending on your experience and the complexity of the job. Professional mechanics can usually complete the job in 1-2 days.

Q: Can I drive with a blown head gasket?

A: Driving with a blown head gasket is not recommended. It can lead to severe engine damage, such as warped cylinder heads or a cracked engine block. If you suspect a blown head gasket, it's best to have the car towed to a repair shop.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2010 Ford Mustang?

A: Head gasket failures are not exceptionally common on the 2010 Ford Mustang, but they can occur, especially in vehicles that have been overheated or have not been properly maintained. The quotes did not specifically mentioned head gasket issues being prevalent in the vehicle.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Replacing a head gasket is a complex repair that requires specialized tools and knowledge. If you have experience with engine repairs and feel comfortable tackling the job, you can save money by doing it yourself. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it's best to hire a professional mechanic to avoid causing further damage.