Garage quoted $4500 to remove engine and replace gasket...if other issues with engine $8250 for a new engine.
So I went on Internet for solutions.
Got some gasket goo treatment.
Removed the thermostat, removed, cleaned and replaced the electric water pump, installed a heater core bypass, removed antifreeze liquid and flushed radiator....changed the engine oil (contaminated with coolant}
with water as coolant, pored in the gasket goo, run engine at fast revs for 15 minutes....no clunking sound from engine nor smoke from exhaust....check engine light disappeared...was indicating a misfire on piston No 2....400 miles later replaced coolant, thermostat and re connected heater core.....
Car runs great again, no engine check lights and total cost $175.
When I was much younger, my father had two Ford Falcons and 3 FF motors. He would piddle around on the third motor, cleaning cylinders, grinding valves, or some such thing. Then, every 50,000 miles he would pull a motor and put in the extra. He got 350,000 miles on one of the Falcons, but the bottom finally rusted out from snow and salt. I wonder how he would have done in Florida?