Looking for some friendly advice on my 99 Expedition w/5.4, 126K miles.

I began noticing an oil leak, so had my mechanic add dye and trace. It's coming from the right head gasket (which appears to be a common problem from what I've read).

Repair quotes start at $3100 on up to $5000

It's not losing oil fast... about 1/2 quart every 1000 miles.

I'm debating between repairing it, getting rid of it, or driving it until it dies. It's the last option I'm most curious about. Given the slow rate of leakage, is anyone willing to offer an educated guess as to how many more miles I might get out of it before the condition deteriorates to a point where it can't be driven?

What would be the likely progression of events in this scenario?

Thanks in advance!!

Pete.

 

I would try some BARS LEAKS, they sell it everywhere, its about $10 per bottle. I used one for a coolant leak, but I also believe they make one for oil leaks as well. I had a small head gasket leak, and after I put it in, the leak stopped and never came back. I think its worth a try since $10 is better than $3100.

 

Hi, welcome to FTE. First of all you're getting ripped off if they're charging you $3100. I had to have a head replaced on mine due to a plug blowing out that couldn't be repaired with the inserts because it was to messed up. Total cost, including the cost of the rebuilt head was $1900. If I were you I'd find a different mechanic.

 

For $3100-$5000 you could get the whole engine rebuilt.

 

The $3100 was from two separate mechanics (one trusted, the other the local Ford dealership)... the $5000 included a new block if they found the existing one to be cracked/damaged.

The itemized list from the Ford dealer included:
R+R both head gaskets + head bolts
R+R all exhaust manifold studs
R+R exhaust manifold gaskets
R+R timing cover gaskets
resurface exhaust manifolds
extract broken exhaust bolts
dipstick tube
EGR tube
EGR tube adapter
spark plugs

I'm engine illiterate, but none of that seemed out of line given they have everything torn apart. Labor estimate was just over 20 hours.

Back to the original question. Given it's a slow leak, what's the likely progression of events if I do nothing?

Thanks!!

 

If it's only leaking from one head, why are they replacing both head gaskets ????????? They only need to do the one side. They're ripping you off !

 

They suggested that doing one head would require 16 hours of labor, and adding the second would only add an additional hour of labor and parts so would be something to consider.

Same with the other items (plugs, etc.)... doing it while everything is apart is cheaper than doing it one item at a time.