I'm thinking about buying a used '97 F-150 that has the 5.4L V-8 enging with 90,000 miles on it, but I'm worried about the tendency that this engine has with blowing a head-gasket on the right side.

How often does this happen, how reliable is the engine, and should I shy-away from the truck because of it?

Anyone with knowledge on this please let me know.

Thanks!

Z.

 

I would say that if the head gasket isnt leaking now it has either been replaced or is ok and will be for a long time still. I wouldn't worry about it. These engines are generally reliable. Some, but not all that many, have spark plugs that have blown out. I've seen a few with broken exhaust manifold studs causing an exhaust leak. Off the top of my head I can't think of any other real chronic problems. Of course it's late and I'm sleepy though so I migth think of other things later

 

Hey everybody:

I know this is one those "broken record" kind of problem stories you hear about, but...

Does anyone know exactly what has to be done to fix a leaking sliding glass rear-window in the '97 and beyond F150s? I looked back in this forum and couldn't find anything pertaining to it.

I just purchased a used one and sure enough, it has the problem . Looks like its coming in from the top-left side of the sliding glass piece. I know one person who fixed this himself but he had to drop the roof liner - I'm hoping to avoid this.

Does anyone know how to fix it or where the water comes in from? Any help would be appreciated - Thanks!

Z.

 

Thanks! I hope you don't though because I bought the truck already! It's nice and powerful and feels great so far (knock on wood). I don't think it has had the leak in the past so hopefully it will last for a while.

Now if I could just figure out how to stop the leak in the sliding rear window!

Thanks again,

Z.

 

Ford makes a seal kit for the rear window. It is basically just a new "gasket" for around the window frame. I'm not sure what it costs but your dealer should be able to tell you.

 

Since Ken updated the forum, older posts don't show up. In them you would've found how I did it.

You do have to remove the headliner. There is no other way. Basically, the top interior of the truck must be removed so that you can access the nuts and bolts that hold the rear window in place. Once you have done that you need to gently pry the window out. The frame flexes very easily and you must be careful not to break it.

Remove the old caulk and reapply the new stuff. Be very generous where it leaked and about the same spot on the right side.

Should take no more than two hours to complete it.

email me if you need more details.

 

ultramagdan:

Thanks for that. I'm a little worried about working with upholstrey though - I've never removed a headliner before. It seems like something that would be very easy to screw-up. Can I do it myself and still put it back right, or do I need to go to an upholstrey shop to have them do it?

Also, what kind of caulk is used and where do I buy it? Can I get it at Home Depot, or do I need to go to a Ford dealer or AutoZone or something?

Thanks,

Z.

 

It's easier to do then you think. You just have to remove all the plastic moldings all around the cab, seatbelts (where they attach in the back) front visors, front piller covers. Once everything is removed the headliner will drop down. It is very big and you have to slowly move it out your passenger side. It is stiff but also able to flex. Once you have done one you won't be worried about it. It just takes time to unbolt everything that needs to be undone. Have a cordless drill driver handy to do all the screws. The inside of your cab will look like hell but it all goes right back together without too much of a fuss. Just take your time and it will come out just fine.

As far as the caulk goes. I went down to a body shop and got the stuff that is only sold to them - professional use only, etc. Don't remember the name of it but it came in a black tube. I'm sure Autozone would be happy to sell you something that might work. I went and talked to the guys that install auto windows all the time and went with what they use.

The hardest part will be getting to some of the nuts on the rear window. Have your small ratchet set handy.