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MOTRS

Falcon (XK-XP)

1960-1966 / Sedan / Convertible / Estate / Australia

All Falcon (XK-XP) problems All workshop issues
Critical Engine: 144ci and 170ci Inline-Six

Worn Valve Guides

Symptoms

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

Cause

The valve guides wear over decades of use, allowing the valve stems to rock in the guides. Oil runs down the stems and into the combustion chamber, where it burns as blue smoke.

Fix

The cylinder head needs to be removed and the valve guides replaced or reamed and fitted with oversize-stem valves.

This is a machine shop job.

Budget $600-1,200 for a complete head recondition including guides, valves, seats, and springs.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $600-1,200 for a

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// More Falcon (XK-XP) problems

Other known issues

Critical Engine: 144ci and 170ci Inline-Six

Cooling System Inadequacy

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