1997 F150 Head problems
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From: New Jersey
1997 F150 Head problems
I have a 1997 F150 4X4 with a 4.6 Winsor with a manufacture date of 6/96 on the valve cover. at 68000 miles I developed a miss on #1 and I have determined that I have either a blown head gasket or a cracked head. I'm getting condensation in the crankcase, losing coolant (no leaks) and the plug is burning orange.
The truck has been great so far but I feel like I have alot of work ahead of me.
Is this problem common on the 4.6's?
My Expedition (5.4) runs like a scalded ape!
Can anyone tell me if the casting numbers are under the valve covers or on the outside? If the head turns out to be cracked I'd like to put aftermarket performance heads on it but I have no idea which head I have. They are SOC type but I'm confused between Romeo engines and winsor engines.
The truck has been great so far but I feel like I have alot of work ahead of me.
Is this problem common on the 4.6's?
My Expedition (5.4) runs like a scalded ape!
Can anyone tell me if the casting numbers are under the valve covers or on the outside? If the head turns out to be cracked I'd like to put aftermarket performance heads on it but I have no idea which head I have. They are SOC type but I'm confused between Romeo engines and winsor engines.
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The casting numbers are stamped on the outside of the heads, just above the exhaust manifolds. Here is a pretty good link on the difference between the Winsor and Romeo.
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb40228.htm
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb40228.htm
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As far as "aftermarket" heads go, I personally don't know of any. But what you could do to get a little more power is the heads and intake manifold from a '99-'03. I believe those were the years that have the PI heads. Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but those should give you about 30-40 HP.
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Is your truck smoking at all? Usually in both cases your truck would put out a good amount of smoke. Next time you drain the oil let it settle and then look for coolant on top of the oil. Good luck and hopefully your head isnt cracked.
Last edited by S14 Robbie; Jul 22, 2004 at 08:12 AM.
Tuned
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I've been told PI heads didn't start until '01 for the 4.6, the 5.4 got them in '99. There are companies that make aftermarket heads, I can't remember the sites off hand but there was one selling a 2v set ported and polished, with a multi angle valve job for $1299. Your can also get a 4v set but you'll pay for em'.
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Ford 4.6 heads
Thanks for all the replies! The truck doesn't smoke and I changed the oil yesterday and it didn't have any coolant in the oil but did had that tell tale milky gunk under the fill cap.
The block is a Winsor F7AE casting and the head part numbers are RF-F65E-6090-D2OA. Obviously I have the non-PI heads and wouldn't mind putting later model heads on it.
I have an opportunity to pick up a set of two valve new heads but they're for a 5.4.
Anyone know if they'll fit? Or how about bolting in a 4.6 engine out of a Cobra or GT Mustang? I've been away from pulling wrenches far too long!
Thanks, Ken
The block is a Winsor F7AE casting and the head part numbers are RF-F65E-6090-D2OA. Obviously I have the non-PI heads and wouldn't mind putting later model heads on it.
I have an opportunity to pick up a set of two valve new heads but they're for a 5.4.
Anyone know if they'll fit? Or how about bolting in a 4.6 engine out of a Cobra or GT Mustang? I've been away from pulling wrenches far too long!
Thanks, Ken
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have you done a compression check? Please don't tear the engine down w/out one! Milky white oil on the underside of the oil cap could just be condensation.
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From: New Jersey
1997 head problems
It's more than condensation unfortunately. I'm losing 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon of coolant a day plus the plug on #1 keeps fouling with the burnt sticky antifreeze and then the check engine lights comes back on. I have to clean the plug almost daily now (emmory board) and reset the codes.
If I could get away with it somehow I would stick a 4.6 Mustang motor in it or a HO 5.0. I just don't know how much work it would be!
If I could get away with it somehow I would stick a 4.6 Mustang motor in it or a HO 5.0. I just don't know how much work it would be!
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Tuned
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From: Texas
I wouldn't do it, typcially the Mustang motors, even Cobras, have a different cam/timing curve that produces the power and torque at a higher rpm than our truck 4.6's. Not good for the amount of weight we're moving.
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