I have a 1987 f-150 4.9L straight 6 cylinder with about 108,000 miles. I kind of thought it was leaking oil from the head gasket because there is fresh oil around it after I drive it. I recently checked the oil dipstick and there was film of milkshake looking gunk all over it. When I got home I started researching what it could be and learned that its probably my head gasket that has blown.

I don't think the engine has been overheated because it has been winter and I always have the heater on. I was told the total cost would be about $1000 for a mechanic to fix it and I don't have that kind of money. Me and my brother were planning on fixing it ourselves. I have the Haynes repair manual but it doesn't say about replacing a head gasket. Where should I start? Someone told me I would need to get the head resurfaced. Is this true? Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

 

you should start with a compression check to make sure you need a head gasket.

 

Sorry to jump in here but I had a quick question. I recently replaced a head gasket on a 4.9; now that I've got it back together it keeps back firing thur the carb and won't start. I did remove the distrutor when I did the head gasket and I've checked the plugs and wiring multiple times to make sure I had the firing order rite. What am I missing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

You've replied to a very old thread, should have just started your own instead.

Anyway on to your issue, backfiring out the carb you probably dropped the dizzy back in 180deg out.

Bring number one up on the compression stroke then pull the cap and see where the rotor points, should point to number one cylinder if not lift out dizzy drop it back in correcting for it.