Opinions Please?
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Opinions Please?
My wife has a 2002 F-150 King Ranch 5.4l. Recently I noticed a oil smell and I had the mechanic take a look. He said the head gasket is leaking oil. Not a bad leak but it is leaking. The truck has 160k miles on it. I can't decide what to do...
Don't Worry About It?
Repair It and Keep anther 5 years...?
Trade it?
What generally happens with a head oil leak? Will the engine crater or just keep leaking?
My plan was to buy my wife a different truck and I would keep the truck, but I don't wont to keep it if the head leak is terminal for the engine.... Thanks for your input in advance.
Don't Worry About It?
Repair It and Keep anther 5 years...?
Trade it?
What generally happens with a head oil leak? Will the engine crater or just keep leaking?
My plan was to buy my wife a different truck and I would keep the truck, but I don't wont to keep it if the head leak is terminal for the engine.... Thanks for your input in advance.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
The heads get their valve train oil through passages at the right rear and left front of the heads.
Is one of these locations the leak area?
Obviously all direct connecting parts must come off to get the head off for gasket replacement.
A gasket set, new coolant etc are the added costs plus labor.
It pays to do plug/boots and other maintenance items while your at it.
Good luck.
Is one of these locations the leak area?
Obviously all direct connecting parts must come off to get the head off for gasket replacement.
A gasket set, new coolant etc are the added costs plus labor.
It pays to do plug/boots and other maintenance items while your at it.
Good luck.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
I am in a similar position with an 02 F150, but with a 4.2.
My wife suggests that we repair the truck (the body is fine and it is a work truck).
My truck needs a rear main seal and possibly valve cover gaskets.
I could repair the truck for around 1000.00 or replace the engine for around 4000.00 (this option is more
than the truck is actually worth).
With all this said, it is all up to your budget, I myself do not like the monthly payments.
My wife suggests that we repair the truck (the body is fine and it is a work truck).
My truck needs a rear main seal and possibly valve cover gaskets.
I could repair the truck for around 1000.00 or replace the engine for around 4000.00 (this option is more
than the truck is actually worth).
With all this said, it is all up to your budget, I myself do not like the monthly payments.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 11
From: Minnesota
It can go a long time with that leak and maybe never get any worse. If it is minor and doesn't leave a ton of oil on the ground, maybe just keep an eye on it. My 98 with the 4.6 leaked a little out the right rear head for years and and I just recently developed head gasket issues (on the left head....the one that never leaked...so go figure..
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ChurchBuilder
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Nov 27, 2006 01:29 AM
