I have heard and read of some of the early 5.4L engines developing an oil leak from the head gasket. I was underneath our 2000 F250 V10 doing some maintenance, I noticed a small drip of oil hanging from the passenger side exhaust manifold. Further investigation leads me to believe it is more than likely the head gasket. Up buy the valve cover area is dry. Has anyone else ran into this issue? How long should I let it go before the heads have to come off?

 

Modular Motors, both V8's & V10's have had issues with oil leaks just as you describe. This happens on both sides but visible mostly on the passenger's side---driver's side leak is "hidden" by the front cover. Both heads are identical castings.

For the most part this isn't something to be overly concern about---I have over 75K miles on two different Modular Motors with those same leaks. During that time I've had no issues at all, just watch the oil level between changes.

You should also look for oil film in the radiator degas bottle and coolant in the oil but again not something to be overly concerned about at the moment.

HTH

 

I have personally seen and read of this happening with the 5.4L, this would be a first for me with the 6.8L engine. I guess it should come as no surprise, considering they are basically the same engine. I'm not too concerned yet, it's not leaving any oil spots on the ground. It just rolled 140k on the clock, still runs super strong. The valve cover area looks dry, so that seems to be the only spot the leak could be coming from. I'll have to do my best not to tell the wife, it's her truck. I'll have to check the coolant bottle, make sure it's not oily in there.

 

If "the wife" is like so many women she'll never look around or under the truck so not telling her could be an error of omission rather than one of commission.

Next time you're underneath carefully take some brake cleaner (wear safety glasses!) and clean the back of the block and transmission---maybe every oil change if you DIY?