Head Gasket problem
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Head Gasket problem
'98F150 4.6
From the beginning. My truck felt like it was starting to misfire at idle. At about 98K on it, I figured it was the spark plugs, so I replace those and the wires. When the problem didn't go away, I took it up to the ford dealership and they told me that it was cylinder six, and that it was firing but the valves might be stuck. I opted not to pay the extra 300 diagnostic fee for them to look into it further and took it on home. After looking around a while, I was advised to go get some marvel mystery oil. As I opened up the oil fill tube, I noticed that there was some off-white gunk on the side of the tube. What first came to my mind was a bad head gasket. After running the head gasket check w/ the radiator, sure enough I got bubbles. I'm wondering that if I replace the head gasket, will that solve my problem?? Also I've changed one before, but not on the newer fords, so how difficult is it and would ya'll suggest a do it yourself??
From the beginning. My truck felt like it was starting to misfire at idle. At about 98K on it, I figured it was the spark plugs, so I replace those and the wires. When the problem didn't go away, I took it up to the ford dealership and they told me that it was cylinder six, and that it was firing but the valves might be stuck. I opted not to pay the extra 300 diagnostic fee for them to look into it further and took it on home. After looking around a while, I was advised to go get some marvel mystery oil. As I opened up the oil fill tube, I noticed that there was some off-white gunk on the side of the tube. What first came to my mind was a bad head gasket. After running the head gasket check w/ the radiator, sure enough I got bubbles. I'm wondering that if I replace the head gasket, will that solve my problem?? Also I've changed one before, but not on the newer fords, so how difficult is it and would ya'll suggest a do it yourself??
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If you have a minute check out this out:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=300691
We are pleased you have chosen the best source for Fords!
Enjoy and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
See you on the boards.
….
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
The head gasket may be the problem, but there are other possibilities. You will have to pull the head off to know for sure. Don't just toss on a head gasket and throw it back together. Take both heads off and take them to a reputable machine shop. Have them pressure test the one with the known trouble and go ahead and do a valve job on both heads. Inspect that number six cylinder after the head is off to make sure there is not a crack or anything.
The bottoms of modern engines will outlast the tops. If the cylinders look good, then the valve job and whatever attention the heads need will get the engine back in good shape and ready to go many more miles.
Good luck,
Doc
ASE Master
The bottoms of modern engines will outlast the tops. If the cylinders look good, then the valve job and whatever attention the heads need will get the engine back in good shape and ready to go many more miles.
Good luck,
Doc
ASE Master
