4.0 head gaskets?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 1
From: Perry,Ga.
4.0 head gaskets?
I have a 96 Ranger with a 4.0.The driver side head gasket is leaking coolent to the out side of the engine.There is no water in the oil and no evidance of coolent getting into any cylinders.My ?s are,should I have both gaskets replaced at the same time,is this a common problem with the 4.0 and about how much should this coast???
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Gaskets & Rebuilt Cylinder Head
The intake manifold and related gaskets must be removed to get either cylinder head off. If you need to replace the second cylinder head gasket later, then you will have to repeat the labor and parts cost (gaskets) of removing the intake. Otherwise, replacing just one head gasket is fine.
A new head gasket will not stop the leaks if the old head is warped. If the head is shot, a remanufactured cylinder head costs $335. New head bolt sets cost $48.79. A cylinder head gasket by itself costs $32. All the gaskets to reinstall both cylinder heads, intake, exhaust, and valve covers costs about $95. All prices are from www.RockAuto.com
It is hard to estimate professional mechanic labor time. Rusted, frozen exhaust manifold bolts or other surprises could slow things down.
A new head gasket will not stop the leaks if the old head is warped. If the head is shot, a remanufactured cylinder head costs $335. New head bolt sets cost $48.79. A cylinder head gasket by itself costs $32. All the gaskets to reinstall both cylinder heads, intake, exhaust, and valve covers costs about $95. All prices are from www.RockAuto.com
It is hard to estimate professional mechanic labor time. Rusted, frozen exhaust manifold bolts or other surprises could slow things down.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Falls, NH
My buddy has a 99' 4.0L Ranger and he just got his truck back from the shop experiencing the same problems. His passenger side head was leaking coolant onto the the backside exhaust maifold and pipes. We didn't want to get into this job not knowingthe full extent of it so a friends garage took care of it. new head gaskets were installed and luckly no other damage was found. another friend hada similar problem the heads are fualty on the 3.8 and 4.0 blocks
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
This is not an uncommon problem. I had it happen a year ago on both cylinder heads, so it would probably be wise to just go ahead and replace both gaskets.
One cylinder head was cracked. I ordered new heads w/valves from Alabama Cylinder Head. I think I paid around $325 for both heads.
One cylinder head was cracked. I ordered new heads w/valves from Alabama Cylinder Head. I think I paid around $325 for both heads.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Ardmore
My 99 Explorer used to seep at the drivers side rear of the head. Just enough to smell it, but never enough to drip on the ground. I just watched my coolant level and never fixed it. Miraculously it healed itself. I first noticed the leak at about 40,000 miles. I now have 130,000 miles and no leaks. I can't explain why it stopped, but I am glad to read this post and know it is a common problem.
