Michael Pardee said:
As Randy G says, it sounds like head gasket or similar troubles. The
shadetree test is to remove the pressure cap (engine cold) and start the
engine.
Or, first thing in the morning pull the plugs, defeat the ignition
system (that's important) and crank the motor over. If coolant sprays
out of the plug hole(s) you found the difficulty.
Put the palm of your hand over the pressure cap opening. If you feel
a steady rise in pressure over a period of a few seconds or - more ominous
yet - pulsations in pressure the news is bad. A more professional test is
done with either cylinder pressurization or by checking the coolant for
hydrocarbons.
Hit the local smog shop and have them use the tailpipe probe over the
expansion bottle for the cooling system. It will quickly detect any
stray hydrocarbons.
Whatever the cause, head removal is the first step to repair.
And on the 240 it is not a terribly difficult job. looks downright
simple compared to a 1969 Ford Galaxy! ;-)
Has it possibly had serious overheating recently? A common cause of your
symptoms is head warping and subsequent head gasket failure from
overheating. Sometimes it just happens to you.
If the gasket is found to be defective, take the head to a machine
shop and have them CHECK IT FIRST to see if it is within specs. Deck
or mill only if necessary. At that point I would consider a rebuilt
head anyay (depending on how many miles on the car/valves).
The other thing to consider, is if it did overheat you need to find
the cause or you will blow the new gasket in a short time.
__ __
Randy & \ \/ /alerie's
\__/olvos
'90 245 Estate - '93 965 Estate
"Shelby" & "Kate"