5.4 cylinder head replacement

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Dec 27, 2005 | 12:42 PM

aocabrown

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Senior User

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 348

Likes: 1

From: Memphis, TN

5.4 cylinder head replacement

My 2003 F-250 has an oil leak from the heads. I think it is both sides...not just the often reorted passenger site head issue. A trusted mechanic says both probably got too hot (I'm 2nd owner) and warped. He wants to take them off, machine them and re-install with new gaskets etc.... I would rather put on new heads than machine them. He is quoting $2,000 for the job. I can get new heads (with valves/cam) from Ford for $2100. Not sure how much labor would be to swap them out.

What do you guys think? Machine current heads? Put on new heads? Prices seem right? I'm just tired of dealing with the oil dripping down on the exhaust and smelling like a junker. No water in oil yet that I can tell...but for how long?

Dec 28, 2005 | 01:54 PM

Fishsimion

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 249

Likes: 1

From: Florida

I recently had the same problem with the oil driping from the head onto the exhaust..

They took the engine apart and it ended up being just the head gasket was worn in the back corner of the heads. According to the Ford Garage that worked on mine he said it is real common problem.. They just replaced the head gaskets on mine and haven't had any problems since.

Dec 28, 2005 | 02:47 PM

slc10844

Posting Guru

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,332

Likes: 4

From: Baltimore

How many miles on the engine? I would be more inclined to have the heads removed before making a decision. Even if it appears to be a bad head gasket, have the heads checked by a machine shop. Preferably one that does performance engine work.