How to tell if the head is blown and not worth fixing?

2006 FORD EXPEDITION
83,000 MILES • V8 • AUTOMATIC
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STACYG82
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We are in the process of buying the '06 Ford Expedition. We were told that the head was blown. That the motor was cracked. Well, my boyfriend left it over and put it on the diagnostic machine and it said that's some coils were misfiring, so he replaced those. But they were used so unsure if that's still the problem or not. But now it's in limp mode or fail safe. We changed the starter and cleaned the throttle body. He topped off all the fluids and checked all the sensors. How do we get it out of fail-safe mode? And how do you tell if the head is blown and not worth fixing?
Apr 19, 2025 at 8:41 PM
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STEVE W.
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I would start with testing to see if it has internal issues first.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

If it's the 5.4 triton engine they have known issues with timing chains and cam phasers that can cause multiple codes and cause it to go into limp mode as well.
Apr 20, 2025 at 4:18 PM
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STACYG82
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I will have him do the tests and get back to you. Thanks for your help.
Apr 21, 2025 at 7:44 AM
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STEVE W.
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No rush, we will be here.
Apr 21, 2025 at 1:29 PM