1999 F150 5.4 60,000 mi
I have a slight oil leak that burns off on my exhaust and stinks after the engine has gotten warm. I was told by one mechanic that it was from leaking around the head gaskets and that I need them replaced. Does this sound reasonable or was that guy full of beans?

 

I don't know, but it would seem to me it would more likly be a valve cover gasket leaking. If it were a head gasket, I would think you'd be leaking coolant before oil, or at least both.

 

I just posted a question about the same problem last week. I have had my 5.4 1999 4x4 at the dealership and they said it was the head gaskets. I thought it was but wanted to get a Ford opinion. I am getting it fixed with their "assistance" next week. I was told by the Service Writer that this engine had head bolts that "stretch." Ford has redesign them. Let me know if you need any additional info. You might want to take it to the dealer so they can "assist" you with the price. Also, it seems this might be a problem that "we" as a group need to find out how many 1999 5.4 are having this problem.

 

The 'stretching' bolts is a design feature, not a flaw. He's not up to speed or didn't explain it well. We used to torque bolts but the torque required not only reflected the 'tightness' of the bolt but also the friction, lubrication or lack thereof, snags or spurs under the head, etc. A torque to yield bolt is designed to exceed the elastic limit of the bolt, that is plastically and permanently stretch the bolt. It can not be reused.

 

Head gasket leaks on these are quite common. Ford came out with updated head gaskets to cure the leak. The head and block surface have to be checked to make sure they are straight and then cleaned spotlessly and then the new gaskets installed with new head bolts. The most common place to leak is the passenger's side, just above the starter. The middle area of the driver's side leaks sometimes too. They just leak oil out, not coolant usually.

 

Thanks for clearing it up as far as the head bolts. I went to NHSTA's web page and there are 45 complaints about the head gaskets and they do talk about the gaskets and so on.

 

Thanks everyone for the comments and info. I appreciate it. I have an extended warranty so I am going to see if they will cover the work. I'll keep you posted.

 

if my exhaust gets plugged up from snow will the oil blow out around oil filter? or were??

 

if your exhasut plugged up, the motor would not run. if the oil filter leaks, check the rubber gasket, or the sensor behind the filter.

 

I have a 1998 F250 with the 5.4 engine that has developed an oil leak over the past 6 months or so. The leak seems to be coming from the driver's side front part of the motor, and being blown back over the rear crossmember onto the exhaust pipe. I recently had to replace the fan clutch, so I had acces to the front of the motor. The front of the motor is clean and dry, but the two cooler lines running to the oil cooler from the radiator area are covered in oil near the engine. Looking in the shop manual I bought when I got the truck new, it looks to be the gasket at the left side of the motor, just past the front cover area, where the oil cooler assembly mounts to the engine. Following the manual, the engine will have to be raised and the motor mounts taken off, especially the left one, to get that whole thing off. Has anyone else had this problem? The leak seems to be getting steadily worse. At first, I thought those two hoses were leaking, but they carry antifreeze, not oil. The sending unit is dry as a bone, as is everything else around that area, except the hoses that run by the metal oil cooler assembly.

 

Don't know for sure about the f250, but the 98 is pretty much a F150 in disguise. The absolute best plan is to remove relocation setup and put the oil filter back on the motor the adapter plate where the oil lines attach to the motor also conects the lower radiator hose to the engine. Replace that housing with standard one and your done. On the F150's Expedition's Navigator's etc. it is not necessary to raise engine, etc. Remove lower radiator hose, two 10mm nuts holding the relocation lines and 4-5 10 mm bolts holding the complete housing to engine! Very simple on 2wd, little tight on 4wd, but turn wheels and with extensions go in drivers side amongst steering componets and you can get it.

 

Could you just tighten the head bolts to fix the problem ??

 

Nope.
The bolts don't come loose by themselves and once the gasket leaks it needs to be replaced.
Sorry

 

oh well it was worth a try!