Hi Everyone,

I'm new to your forum and hope someone here can help me out.

I just replaced the head gaskets and had the heads done on my 1996 Mustang 3.8L convertible, and now it won't start. Initially it ran fine after the repair, but now it just cranks but won't start..

I ran it up on ramps to change the oil for a second time to make sure all the contaminants were flushed out, but for some reason it won't start now. Strangely, the courtesy lights on the rear view mirror also decided to come on and refuse to go off. Don't know if this is somehow related or not..

Prior to the head gasket repair, it was showing trouble codes for the camshaft position sensor and the coolant temp sensor. I replaced the thermostat and coolant sensor, but didn't fool with the camshaft sensor or synchronizer assembly. wasn't sure how to replace the assembly correctly. I own mostly Chrysler products, so Fords are unfamiliar me. I know I must have done something wrong, but have no clue as to what. Any help would be appreciated.

On a side note, A guy I know has a 95' 3.8L engine with only 70K miles on it for sale.. Would it work in my Mustang or are there computer or sensor differences? I really don't want to go through the whole tear down process again with "iffy" results.

 

how long did it run fine after the repair. are u talking 15 minutes or days, weeks? don't know anything about camshaft position sensor but that could cause it not to start i would guess. if you were having trouble with it before i would look at it as a possible cause.

 

It lasted about 2 days before it quit starting. I noticed when I broke the engine down to replace the heads that the sensor was all busted up and unplugged no less. Don't know how long it had been like that, but it was running fine up until the head gaskets failed.