issues starting and rough idle
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
A leak down test is a good way. But parts stores have litmus paper that you can dip in the coolant in the radiator and it will tell you if there are any products of combustion in the coolant. If so, you have a headgasket leak or a cracked head. Similarly, a leak down test will show bubbles in the radiator if you have either a headgasket leak or a cracked head.
But in either case, you cannot tell if the problem is a head gasket or a head w/o pulling the head and having it tested.
But in either case, you cannot tell if the problem is a head gasket or a head w/o pulling the head and having it tested.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: WI
No, it still runs crappy when it's warm, I found out it still will back fire just at a much higher rpm
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: WI
I changed it because I thought it was burning coolant, but now that it's changed, it still puffs white when you rev it errrr, so I'm gonna get the radiator test
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Yes, a leakdown test should help you diagnose the thing... start with the underlying infrastructure to be at least reasonably certain there aren't problems there. Do you also have oil in your coolant, or coolant in your oil?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: WI
I've been watching the oil level, its pretty much stayed the same, I've been measuring it on the dipstick with a tape measure, don't see any in the radiator.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: WI
1981 Ford F150
I found this on Craigslist, I'm thinking about buying it or trade for it as a parts truck. Seeing as I need a Bumper, Radiator, Idiot light panels, Tailgate, Drivers mirror, Gascap for second tank, all the wiring for the ignition swap, and other stuff
I found this on Craigslist, I'm thinking about buying it or trade for it as a parts truck. Seeing as I need a Bumper, Radiator, Idiot light panels, Tailgate, Drivers mirror, Gascap for second tank, all the wiring for the ignition swap, and other stuff
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I hope you didn't use RTV on the head gasket when you replaced it....