cracked block or blown head gaskets?

Asked by bugg_13 Jan 06, 2016 at 07:28 AM about the 2000 Ford Taurus SES

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My sons taurus started useing alot more
water we noticed over a month or so.
Anyway one day it ran really hot to the point
that he said he pulled it over and
called me. We had our mechanic take a look
at it cause we noticed water in
the oil plus he ran it hot. How can you tell if
its a cracked block or blown head
gasket? Is there any way?

2 Answers

159,075

It is likely a bad head gasket, less likely a cracked head and least likely a cracked block. Taking it apart is going to be the only sure fire way to find out.

3 people found this helpful.
14,475

Mornin' all. If your car has the standard 12 valve engine the head gaskets are the most probable cause. Since the heads have a habit of warping when this happens they will need to be reworked by a machine shop, we have found that trading them in for an already reworked set of heads (autozone etc.) that have a warranty is the least expensive and easiest path for our customers. That is in addition to what Bob and Tennisshoes have also suggested.

Your Answer:

Taurus

Looking for a Used Taurus in your area?

CarGurus has 80 nationwide Taurus listings starting at $4,880.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    3,990
  • #2
    MrBlueOval
    Reputation
    3,790
  • #3
    Christopher Paden
    Reputation
    3,180
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Explorer
84 Great Deals out of 2,064 listings starting at $2,999
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 15,299 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Impala
10 Great Deals out of 108 listings starting at $4,632
Used Toyota Camry
45 Great Deals out of 967 listings starting at $2,212
Used Honda Accord
40 Great Deals out of 903 listings starting at $1,599
Used Ford Mustang
64 Great Deals out of 1,266 listings starting at $4,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
118 Great Deals out of 3,182 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Durango
41 Great Deals out of 2,260 listings starting at $5,500
Used Ford Focus
22 Great Deals out of 488 listings starting at $2,950
Used Honda Civic
168 Great Deals out of 3,678 listings starting at $1,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.