I had no idea this was a common problem until I found this web site. My 98 F-150 has been drinking about a gallon of anti-freeze every other week for quite some time now. I was pretty sure that this was the problem because there were no external leaks at all. I am a mechanic by trade, but I haven't had time to screw with this thing. I was about to tear it apart, or possibly do an engine swap since I've never really liked the V-6 anyway, but after reading everyone elses problems, I'm going to contact Ford and see if they will do anything about it. I also filled out a report to the NHTSA like someone else had posted on here. Thanks for the info. everyone.

 

The timing chain cover gaskets are funky, too. Do them also while you have it down.