Head Gasket??
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Head Gasket??
Hello fellow Ford Enthusiasts, I own a Canadian 1997 F-150 (4.2, V6,)with 220000kms. I went to start my truck and there was quite a loud thud. After 15 sec she was running fine but noticed white smoke billowing out of the tail pipe, under the hood the coolant looked good. My neighbor heard the thud and came out side, seen the white smoke and told me to shut her down thinking it was a head gasket leak. The next couple of days it was left until I could make a appointment at the local shop which is around the corner, went to start it up and there was quite an uncomfortable knock in the head. My question is, has anyone heard of this type of truck having these problems and what to do? I've called a couple dealer ships service depart. and some say it could be the head gasket seal failure and the cylender is damaged, or they've never heard of any problems with this type of motor. I have some knowledge of vehicle's from owning my own, but I'm no mechanic and I'm a little worried I might be mis lead when I bring it in. Please Help, Thanks.....
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Your lower intake gaskets,not head gaskets,have failed and allowed coolant into one or more cylinders.Upon start up,a piston cannot compress a liquid,so your engine "hydro-locked" and bent and/or broke a rod.Go to the "4.2 Forum" and do a search on "hydro-lock".
BTW,the Ford dealerships know all too well about this problem! They are basically blowing smoke up your "donkey"!
BTW,the Ford dealerships know all too well about this problem! They are basically blowing smoke up your "donkey"!
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
try pulling the plugs, then cranking the motor. This will get the coolant out of the cylinders. Then try starting it again. If it starts and doesn't run normal, you probably broke something. If it runs o.k., replace the intake manifold gasket a.s.a.p. The same thing happened to me. I just finished replacing the gasket yesterday. Hopefully, all is well. The total on parts for D.I.Y. was like $100. Make sure you get a torque wrench in inch pounds, not foot pounds.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Originally Posted by gti1599
try pulling the plugs, then cranking the motor. This will get the coolant out of the cylinders. Then try starting it again. If it starts and doesn't run normal, you probably broke something. If it runs o.k., replace the intake manifold gasket a.s.a.p.
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I was just trying to help out. Mine made a terrible knock also. I found this forum and searched. I read that I should pull the plugs. I did this and coolant shot out of the first cylinder on the passenger side. After reinstalling the plugs, and starting her up, it ran hard at first. But, then smoothed out. When I got the intake manifold off, it was obvious where the leak was occurring. The gasket around the area in question was almost gel like. I'm just hoping maybe he'll be as lucky as me. Anyways, my truck is a work truck, I have a VW in the garage as a second car. I feel bad for all that go through this with there daily drivers.
