I have a 1997 Ford F250, 4.6L V8, 4x4, auto. with over 255,000 miles and hope to have it for aother 245,000 at least. I am presently experiencing classic symptoms of a leaking head gasket, temperature fluctuations, unsteady cab heat output, loss of coolant, white smoke in exhaust and milky deposits in oil.

I am contemplating of not only changing the head gaskets myself but while the engine is out, doing a complete rebuild. I figure with over 255,000 miles, this old girl doesn't owe me a thing.

My question for the kind reader is that does anyone have a factory service manual they wish to part with or a suggestion for a detailed book that will have the pertinent and specific rebuild information in it?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

 

Can't help with what specific info is included in a factory manual but they're available almost daily on eBay Motors----I've bought several Ford authorized manuals there over the years. Some will be hard copies in huge binders, some are on CD-ROM.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I have looked around on the web but I want to make sure that if I spend the dollars I'll get what I need. The Haynes manual is OK for general weekender work but not nearly detailed enough for significant engine work.

Thanks again.

 

Glad to help but honestly those Haynes, Mitchell and/or Chilton manuals have never proved all that useful to me either. Their depth is quite limited as you mention for all but the most basic of repairs.

Maybe they've come a long way since I last viewed one but nothing beats a factory publication for our year, model and specific equipment.

Best of luck on your project Mule-Dog!