Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

cracked head?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 8, 2007 | 10:18 AM
  #1  
beaverplt's Avatar
beaverplt
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
cracked head?

Hi,

I have a 4.9L 6 in a 92 F150. I posted a couple weeks back about a possible cracked head or blown head gasket. My only symptom is the engine overheats very quickly. I am not getting white smoke out the tailpipe nor am I losing coolant under pressure out a crack in the engine compartment. I've been told that means exhaust gases are getting in the coolant and there would be bubbling in the coolant in the overflow. I checked and I am not getting any bubbling there. All I found was a thin film of white foam at the radiator cap. I removed the spark plugs one at a time and checked the coolant each time. There was no change. Any idea what is causing this? My thermostat and water pump are fine.
Thanks
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2007 | 01:00 PM
  #2  
akaGWall's Avatar
akaGWall
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
You might also check for a clogged radiator preventing adequate water flow, a faulty fan clutch, and/or a restriction in air flow across the radiator fins. I have had debris build up between the radiator and the condenser coil shutting off the air flow.
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2007 | 02:31 PM
  #3  
Tikka Dude's Avatar
Tikka Dude
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I agree that I would flush the cooling system. I have seen many clogged radiators cause this exact problem.


I assume that when you say that both the thermostat and pump are good then you have either tested or replaced them?
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2007 | 03:27 PM
  #4  
beaverplt's Avatar
beaverplt
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
The water pump having to be replaced is what started the whole mess for me. My sepentine belt broke while I was on the freeway. By the time I noticed the temperature spiking, I had driven 5 or 10 miles. The pump was trashed so I replaced it. It is still overheating very quickly. I took the thermostat out with the same result. A buddy of mine who is a mechanic is sure the head gasket blew or the head has a small crack. I want to try a sealant before I remove the head, but I've been told that they won't work if the crack is near any of the pistons
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2007 | 03:58 PM
  #5  
Tikka Dude's Avatar
Tikka Dude
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Personally I would flush the radiator a couple of times using a quality coolant flush before I would do anything else to it. If you do happen to use a sealant then I would bypass the heater core so you don't risk stopping it up in the process.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rotun
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
15
Nov 22, 2016 08:40 PM
joejackF250
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
32
Feb 5, 2015 09:01 PM
chillman88
General Automotive Discussion
6
Dec 30, 2013 08:39 PM
That One Fat Guy
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
May 3, 2012 09:20 AM
Struts 'N' Stuff
2.6, 2.8, 2.9, 4.0 & SOHC 4.0 V6
4
Mar 21, 2004 03:13 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:49 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE