2021 Ranger - 31k miles - Head Gasket Blown

[airline tech]

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

So, one part of will be resolved, I still say (feel) that there is an unresolved issued that caused it. Hopefully they will find it after the repair, as this will seal that leak - my strong hunch is the EGR Cooler.

Head / Head Gasket damage is NORMALLY caused by an overheat condition, so they need to look deeper into what caused that condition.
This could be a rare event, but I have a strong feeling there is another factor at play here, I could be wrong but me being extra meticulous would take a deeper look into it.

So, if they just replace the Head / Gasket, I highly recommend the monitor of the temp gauge closely as well as the coolant levels for a while.

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[Frenchy]

So, one part of will be resolved, I still say (feel) that there is an unresolved issued that caused it. Hopefully they will find it after the repair, as this will seal that leak - my strong hunch is the EGR Cooler.

Head / Head Gasket damage is NORMALLY caused by an overheat condition, so they need to look deeper into what caused that condition.
This could be a rare event, but I have a strong feeling there is another factor at play here, I could be wrong but me being extra meticulous would take a deeper look into it.

So, if they just replace the Head / Gasket, I highly recommend the monitor of the temp gauge closely as well as the coolant levels for a while.

I am curious as to why you think the EGR cooler might be a problem. Honestly I am surprised that the EGR is still a thing with all the variable valve timing, but then again it is Ford with "Better" ideas

 

[airline tech]

I am curious as to why you think the EGR cooler might be a problem. Honestly I am surprised that the EGR is still a thing with all the variable valve timing, but then again it is Ford with "Better" ideas

I am looking for the initial cause of the Overheat Condition that possibly caused the (Head to Crack)
Now this can be a number of things - Stuck T-State etc. that would be obvious.

I am focused on the EGR Cooler for one reason (if it leaks) you have 2 visual indications that it is leaking - White Smoke Steam from exhaust pipe and an unexplained coolant level drop with no external leaks.
So, the exact same indications as a leaking head gasket or cracked head.
as I stated, it is my opinion that there is another factor that caused the head to crack and that is most likely coolant loss at another source.

I could be wrong here, but just pointing out a highly possible chain of events that led to the head getting hot enough to crack.
Normally / Generally - Cracked Heads or Head Gasket Failure is caused from an engine overheat condition.
So, if we follow the Norm/Gen - then the initial cause of the overheat condition still needs to be addressed and the EGR Cooler can be overlooked as a source.

As with Head or Head Gasket failure, a cooling system pressure test of (21 lbs.) may pass and not show the pressure loss.

 

[Motorpsychology]

I agree with most here- an overheat condition likely caused the head to crack.
Unlikely but possible is a bad casting, maybe a void in the metal. You probably caught it early enough, but coolant vapor in the exhaust may have caused damage or diminished the capability of the catalytic converter.

 

[TubbyZ28]

thought mine was the head gasket but turns out it was the block. kind of wish the head cracked instead, but alot more miles than you. oooph

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