The Car Edition team is working on a busted 2018 Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost rolled in with 48,000 miles on the clock and an outside diagnosis of a head gasket failure. Which, in garage terms, is roughly equivalent to someone turning up at hospital saying, “It’s probably just a slight decapitation.”

But once the engine came apart, the story changed.

What initially looked like a straightforward top-end issue quickly revealed a much deeper problem: heavy sludge build-up throughout the engine and oil condition that could politely be described as “long past its best.” In less polite terms, it looked like the sort of engine that has been surviving on missed services, extended intervals, and optimism rather than maintenance.

Instead of an isolated failure, it became clear this was the result of long-term neglect. Sludge deposits suggested poor oil changes over time, restricting lubrication and accelerating wear internally. In other words, the head gasket wasn’t the beginning of the story—it was just the point where the engine finally gave up trying to cope quietly.

As part of the repair, a Comline timing chain kit was installed, and the process documented in full. Once you’re this deep into an EcoBoost teardown, it makes sense to address anything that could cause future failures, rather than simply patching the obvious damage.

The Comline kit, backed by a 4-year or 100,000 km warranty, offers some reassurance that the rebuilt engine won’t immediately revert to abstract sculpture.

Ultimately, this Mustang is a textbook example of how modern turbo engines demand consistent servicing. Ignore them, and they don’t just get unhappy—they eventually charge you for the lesson.