I have noticed since I got my 77 400 4x4 that I always have water in the exhaust even after warm up. Just the other day I noticed that during idle my temperature was heating up took a look under the rad. cap. Uh-Oh. looks like coolant is missing.

Question this sounds like head gasket is corrupt, what is the likelihood of this and should I Look elsewhere first for cheap fix?

And when I pull the head gasket (which I haven't ever done on a engine) is there anything I need to know? what else could be broken that I need to be aware of?

the water in the exhaust also explains my new exhaust leak I can hear... sigh.

 

To pull the heads off, you'll need to pull the intake and exhaust manifolds first - more gaskets to replace. To pull the intake manifold, you may need to pull the distributor...

I think you're on the right track with the head gasket... That's what it sounds like to me, anyway...

 

yes it for sure is I also have "white stuff" on the oil fill cap so that sealed it for me. I do have another post here head gasket replacement - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

so this thread is mostly answered.

but thanks for the tips on what all I need to replace can you check out my other post for anything else I am missing?

this would be the first time I have taken a engine apart this far, so any advice on common things that are messed up would be cool!

 

Don't undo any bolt without a can of PB Blaster on hand. Soak all of them overnight with the PB.

 

thanks for the tip will do.
also I found the
Fel-Pro - Head Gasket Set

but where do I get new bolts for everything? I assume I should replace them as well as they stretch etc

 

Follow torque specs and bolt down patterns. You'll end up with a leaker if you don't.

 

All bolts stretch, it is that stretch that provides the clamping force which holds two objects together. This is a torque value.
Now some head bolts can be used over and over again, and some do not. Most modern engines use a one time TTY or torque to yield bolt that should not be used after initial torque.
Most early engines have standard hardened head bolts that can be used again, but you will want to clean the bolts and run a tap into the holes in the block.
False torque values might be encountered if you dont start with clean threads. I also like to soak the bolts in oil after they have been cleaned.
Typical heat cycles of the engine will not change the hardness of the bolts, and these can be used time and time again.
Problems usually begin with improper installation, and most of the mistakes are from dirty threads.

 

If you have never done any engine work, this might be quite a task.

 

well Im good with tools and mechanical things. this would be the most I have ever done for sure, I hope to do a good job with this board as help