Falcon (XK-XP)

1960-1966 / Sedan / Convertible / Estate / Australia

All Falcon (XK-XP) problems All workshop issues

Critical Engine: 144ci and 170ci Inline-Six

Cooling System Inadequacy

Symptoms

Temperature gauge climbs in slow traffic, on hot days, or when towing. The engine may boil over, pushing coolant out of the overflow.

Cause

The original cooling system was designed for 1960s driving conditions, predominantly open-road cruising. Australian summer temperatures combined with modern stop-start traffic overwhelm the system. A 60-year-old radiator is almost certainly partially blocked. The engine-driven fan only moves adequate air at highway rpm.

Fix

Have the radiator recored ($300-600) or fit an aluminium replacement ($400-800).

Install an electric thermo fan for low-speed cooling.

Replace the thermostat (they're cheap and old ones stick).

Ensure the water pump is not cavitating or leaking.

Flush the entire cooling system.

Cost mentioned in fix

$300-600$400-800

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// More Falcon (XK-XP) problems

Other known issues

Critical Engine: 144ci and 170ci Inline-Six

Worn Valve Guides

Blue smoke on startup that clears after a few minutes. Increased oil consumption. In severe cases, blue smoke under all conditions.

Common Engine: 144ci and 170ci Inline-Six

Crankshaft Rear Main Seal Leak

Oil leak from the rear of the engine, dripping onto the bellhousing and gearbox. Oil on the clutch causes slipping (manual cars) or contaminates the torque converter (automatics).

Critical Engine: 144ci and 170ci Inline-Six

Fuel System Deterioration

Hard starting, rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, flooding, poor fuel economy, fuel smell.

Critical Rust (The Big One)

Floor Pan Corrosion

Visible rust perforation on the underside of the floor. Soft, spongy metal when prodded. In severe cases, daylight visible through the cabin floor.

Critical Rust (The Big One)

Sill (Rocker Panel) Rot

Bubbling paint along the lower body sides, soft metal when prodded, visible perforation.

Common Rust (The Big One)

Boot Floor and Spare Tyre Well

Rust in the boot floor, water pooling in the spare tyre well, perforation around the tail-light mounting points.

View all 18 Falcon (XK-XP) problems