2021 Ranger - 31k miles - Head Gasket Blown

[Sworntotheriff]

Well friends, after 3 years of reliability and smooth driving, my trucks in the shop for a bad head gasket.

A couple weeks back, I was about 5 min into driving when the overheat sensor started going and my guage was all the way hot. It "fixed" itself after a few seconds and I finished my drive. I let it sit for a few hours and checked the coolant reservoir, which was basically empty. I poured Coolant in to the desired level and went about my way. When I got home, I checked the coolant level again and it was about 2" below min. Clearly something was wrong, so I parked it and called the two dealers near my house to get an appointment.

A week later, I was able to get the truck in. They had it for a few days and finally told me they think I need a new engine, but they were unsure. Another day goes by and they call me to say that Ford will only cover a new head gasket. The assure that the rest of the engine looks good, since we caught this early. Dealer stated the head gaskets in the 21 rangers are built from a thin metal and know to crap out.

I've got an uneasy feeling about them only replacing the head gasket, but I suppose it is what it is. This has been a great truck so far, but its rough to have such a major issue only 30k in.

Anyone have any soothing words to make not getting a new engine a little easier to swallow?

EDIT: Turns out it was a bad/cracked head. Should know more soon.

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[thorn726]

if all they found was a bad head gasket, it should be ok since you got to it quickly. someone else will have to detail what might happen to the head itself but the engine below it should be ok now that the problem is fixed. you don't typically replace the engine after a blown head gasket...

 

[Sworntotheriff]

if all they found was a bad head gasket, it should be ok since you got to it quickly. someone else will have to detail what might happen to the head itself but the engine below it should be ok now that the problem is fixed. you don't typically replace the engine after a blown head gasket...

I'm honestly unsure if the head was damaged at this point. The only reason I mentioned the full engine is because they were trying to get a new engine put in (which I would gladly take a new engine ) , but Ford denied it for the warranty repair. Either way, I hope others are having better luck with their 21s.

 

[thorn726]

I'm honestly unsure if the head was damaged at this point. The only reason I mentioned the full engine is because they were trying to get a new engine put in (which I would gladly take a new engine ) , but Ford denied it for the warranty repair. Either way, I hope others are having better luck with their 21s.

im not sure why they went right to saying you needed a new engine, that would confuse anyone. I think you'll be ok now that the gasket is fixed

 

[airline tech]

It really depends on how long it was driven in an overheat condition, the truck has a failsafe to help prevent engine damage - limits power and disables cylinders.

For the most part, just replacing the head gasket will be ok, but if the head was extremely overheated it may create issues getting it to seal properly. (head/block)
It sounds like you did not hit that level of temperature to damage the head.
This would be more - someone who continued to drive and ignore all the warning signs

I would be more concerned with the proper diagnostic and 100% certain that in fact the head gasket is blown.

Head Gaskets generally do not fail without an outside influence (overheat condition) first, it is the overheat condition (upper end gets to hot) that causes the gasket to fail.

So, a low coolant level, overheat and then head gasket failure.

Depending on how they verified it was the head gasket as a leaking EGR Cooler will give the same signs, with coolant getting into the cylinders, a way to check would be to pull the EGR valve and check for coolant in the valve and tubing.

I cannot say with 100% certainly but in general if the Head Gasket is blown, there is another factor that led to it and that would be the coolant loss issue, and a highly probable spot for that coolant loss without a visible leak is the EGR Cooler dumping it into the exhaust and when the EGR valve opens (into the cylinders)

Another factor for coolant loss without a visible leak is the Reservoir and Cap, not allowing the system to pressurize and get the proper circulation. (Bad Cap)

I am only highlighting some areas of misdiagnosis; this is not including the normal items clogged radiator, stuck T-Stat, cooling fan clutch etc..

 

[Frenchy]

So the funny thing about Head Gaskets is all of them are.made of a flimsy metal with some kind of special seal in certain parts. Also if it was a known problem then you would have seen it here. Sounds to me like you just happened to have gotten an Engine built on a Monday is all

 

[PapaBill]

Well friends, after 3 years of reliability and smooth driving, my trucks in the shop for a bad head gasket.

A couple weeks back, I was about 5 min into driving when the overheat sensor started going and my guage was all the way hot. It "fixed" itself after a few seconds and I finished my drive. I let it sit for a few hours and checked the coolant reservoir, which was basically empty. I poured Coolant in to the desired level and went about my way. When I got home, I checked the coolant level again and it was about 2" below min. Clearly something was wrong, so I parked it and called the two dealers near my house to get an appointment.

A week later, I was able to get the truck in. They had it for a few days and finally told me they think I need a new engine, but they were unsure. Another day goes by and they call me to say that Ford will only cover a new head gasket. The assure that the rest of the engine looks good, since we caught this early. Dealer stated the head gaskets in the 21 rangers are built from a thin metal and know to crap out.

I've got an uneasy feeling about them only replacing the head gasket, but I suppose it is what it is. This has been a great truck so far, but its rough to have such a major issue only 30k in.

Anyone have any soothing words to make not getting a new engine a little easier to swallow?

Inspect the engine after the head is pulled. If the cylinders are not scored or chaffed, you should be ok. Might want to get a layered gasket. What is the OEM Made of? That super thin stuff? Get one if you can that is copper. They have a little "cush". Or...

What is the best type of head gasket?

Multi-Layer Steel (MLS): Known for its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures, MLS head gaskets are constructed from multiple layers of stainless steel with a polymer coating. They provide excellent sealing properties and are often used in high-performance engines.Mar 27, 2024



Semper Fi,
PB

 

[5thranger]

It is imperative that the head be surfaced before reassembly. I would assume that they do that automatically but just the same insist that is done.

 

[Rp930]

It is imperative that the head be surfaced before reassembly. I would assume that they do that automatically but just the same insist that is done.

No need if the head is measured with a straight edge. These days I don’t have much faith in machine shops. Most of the good ones are gone.

 

[5thranger]

No need if the head is measured with a straight edge. These days I don’t have much faith in machine shops. Most of the good ones are gone.

Most shops will do it to have a new surface that is true. I have done it both ways but feel it is better to have it surfaced.

 

[airline tech]

FYI - For the Head R&R, the manual does call out to check the Head & Block surface for distortion.
Straight Edge & Feeler Gauge - Method
So, if they follow the manual - this step should be performed.

 

[Sworntotheriff]

Well fellas, went to pick up a loaner today. It turns out it was a bad/cracked head.

 

[Frenchy]

Well fellas, went to pick up a loaner today. It turns out it was a bad/cracked head.

For what it's worth, they caught it before you took it back!!

 

[raytwntrvlr]

WTF? Just another, probably, undeserved bad news for us 2021 owners. Been following this message board for years and maybe I missed this defect, but I don't know. Is what the Dealer stated about the head gaskets in the 21 rangers are built from a thin metal and known to crap out really a fact?

 

[Frenchy]

WTF? Just another, probably, undeserved bad news for us 2021 owners. Been following this message board for years and maybe I missed this defect, but I don't know. Is what the Dealer stated about the head gaskets in the 21 rangers are built from a thin metal and known to crap out really a fact?

Do yourself a favor and go buy a head gasket for every engine out there. You will find that every single head gasket from the factory is usually made of multi-layer thin metal. It's pretty common and not a surprise. It's also designed to be very very strong under any sort of normal engine pressure with naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. This particular dealer simply wanted to say something that is not true. If it were the case Ford would feds problem a long time ago. As for this particular case it is a one-off type thing.

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