Head gasket, can I do it?
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Head gasket, can I do it?
My girlfriend's 89 F-150 5.0 is in need of a head gasket I think. It's leaking oil for a while and I thought it was the oil pan gasket, so got all set to do that today. Sure enough, drained the oil and it was the dreaded milky colour. So I assume head gasket.
My question is how hard is a head gasket really? I am only a garage mechanic, but I have the time and will to learn how to do it. I've got my trusty Haynes manual. I have tackled valve cover gaskets, water pumps, rad replacement and various other things on her truck and mine, but this is the most complex job. I believe I can do it, but just wanted some feedback from people who have tackled it before.
Thanks,
Mike
My question is how hard is a head gasket really? I am only a garage mechanic, but I have the time and will to learn how to do it. I've got my trusty Haynes manual. I have tackled valve cover gaskets, water pumps, rad replacement and various other things on her truck and mine, but this is the most complex job. I believe I can do it, but just wanted some feedback from people who have tackled it before.
Thanks,
Mike
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: New Jersey
I've done more head gaskets on more things than I care to admit.
It's not a difficult job, it's just time consuming because of all the little hoses, lines, wires, connectors, and so on. As you disconnect things, label them if you're unsure you'll remember where they go later. Masking tape and a sharpie works well enough.
Most gasket sets come with a pair of head gaskets, and since you have to tear into things so far to get to the leaking head, might as well replace both sides while you're going through this.
It's not a difficult job, it's just time consuming because of all the little hoses, lines, wires, connectors, and so on. As you disconnect things, label them if you're unsure you'll remember where they go later. Masking tape and a sharpie works well enough.
Most gasket sets come with a pair of head gaskets, and since you have to tear into things so far to get to the leaking head, might as well replace both sides while you're going through this.
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That's what I needed to hear. I'm all for the labelling part! And she's got use of my mom's old Mustang at the moment, so time isn't an issue. Any other special tools other then the torque wrench? What about for unhooking fuel lines? I'm going to get a gasket kit with everything I'll have to take off. Do I need to remove the water pump/timing chain cover? Thanks for the quick responses guys!
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Sorry, one other question. What should I do about the A/C system? Can it just be moved out of the way? The guide on the autozone website says to discharge it.
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One more question! I've got the upper intake off and I'm ready to tackle the lower intake. The tool to unhook the fuel lines, do I have to get that from Ford, or will any auto parts store have it?
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You can get the fuel line disconnect tools at any good auto parts store. You won't need to discharge the A/C or remove the water pump or front cover to replace the head gaskets. Another thing, if your head gasket set comes with cork end seals for the lower intake, do yourself a favor and throw them in the nearest trash can and use a bead of silicone instead. Also, if possible, get a pair of valve cover gaskets from the Ford dealer; you'll never replace them again for a leak.