In checking different sources and especially this forum, I found that it is a common problem for these motors. But not a hard fix. My car has 250,000 miles on it, and I drive 200 miles a day.
Of course I say it is an easy fix, but I have six head bolts that will not come out and now I have stripped them and ruined two ratchets. I think that the PO has used loctite on them so I may have to have it towed today.
But I consider the bottom end of the engine to be bullet proof and the gasket will last probably 100,000 and from what I have read the new gasket is a better design, maybe longer.
Beats driving a Taurus.

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“Fundamentally, sustainable development is a notion of discipline. It means humanity must ensure that meeting present needs does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”--- Gro Harlem Brundtland


1989 300se 250,000
1983 BMW 528e 100,000
1999 Olds Alero 80,000

These pretzels are making me thirsty.