12th Jan 2013, 14:41

The problem with the 4.6 Northstar engine is the aluminum block. In order to torque the heads down properly, it takes a large amount of torque, and when the torque sequence is completed at the factory, the head bolts actually start to pull the block threads out a little bit. Since the engine is under intense heat and pressure, being crammed into the front of the cars with the entire transmission, the engine typically has a very short life. Most overheating problems start with either a small leak, crack, or damaged reservoir/cap. The mostly plastic, hard gaskets, that seal the four passages that are on the large aluminum coolant "H" pipe can disintegrate and leak as well.

Basically, the entire engine is going to overheat eventually, no matter what you think you can do. It's the most terrible design for temperature control that I've ever come across. It's not a question of if you have blown head gaskets, it's when... I have done more head gaskets on these Northstar engines than ANY other vehicles! Don't waste your money on these cars if they haven't gotten a head gasket overhaul, or if they run the least bit on the hot side of the temp gauge.