I've got a 99 F150 with 5.4L, (77k) with an oil leak. I removed the starter (it was an absolute mess) and cleaned the area & the oil appears to be leaking from the head gasket, I'm not 100% sure it's the head gasket as it's so hard to see up in that area. I do not think it is the valve cover as I felt all the way around the back side of the valve cover & it is dry. Is there something simple here that I'm missing or am I looking at pulling the engine to fix a leak?

 

Hi and welcome to FTE

It sounds like you've got a leaking head gasket
If you do a search in the forum here you'll find quite a bit of info on the problem.

 

Bet you a six pack it's the dreaded head gasket leak right above the exhaust manifold. Just went through this experience myself. $1100 to fix and had to take it back to the shop 3 times after that because they messed up sealing the timing chain cover gasket in the process. Then they bent a heat shield after that.