Notices

Blown head gasket ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2001 | 10:08 AM
  #1  
mgessner's Avatar
mgessner
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Blown head gasket ?

I'm experiencing symptoms of a blown head gasket -- I am losing water from the radiator and I don't see any major leaks anywhere. There is a light brown, spotty sludge on my oil cap.

So, is there any way to verify that it is a blown head gasket?

If it is, how soon do I need to repair it? Obviously I need to watch my engine temp (still holding at 190) and keep water in the radiator. Will I suddenly get a white vapor cloud behind the truck and know I need to pull over and tow it home?

I've never been inside an engine before. I've changed the carb, starter, alt, pwr steering pump, distributer, etc. in my driveway. Is the head gasket replacement feasible for me? How long should it take a competent but inexperienced wrencher?

Finally, if I do it, or get the shop to do it, is there anything else I should look for or do at the same time? The motor has about 130k on it, and 45k since rebuild. The rebuild was basically mill where necessary, add a crank, and replace anything broken or worn. (no oiling mods, porting, etc.)

Matt
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2001 | 10:13 AM
  #2  
mgessner's Avatar
mgessner
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Blown head gasket ?

Oh, I forgot to say that it is a 360 in my '73 F100...
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2001 | 02:53 PM
  #3  
Ratsmoker's Avatar
Ratsmoker
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
Blown head gasket ?

 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2001 | 05:46 PM
  #4  
FE427TP's Avatar
FE427TP
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 0
From: yes
Blown head gasket ?

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 25-Apr-01 AT 06:48 PM (EST)[/font][p]When you pull your dipstick does it have a creamy looking foam on it? And do a compression test as low compression on two adjacent cylinders is a usual signal
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2001 | 07:35 PM
  #5  
mgessner's Avatar
mgessner
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Blown head gasket ?

>When you pull your dipstick does
>it have a creamy looking
>foam on it?

No, not really. The oil looks very thin, but my pressure is much higher than normal. It's up around 70 at idle -- usually it sits around 20 at idle and up to about 50 when revved up.

>And do
>a compression test as low
>compression on two adjacent cylinders
>is a usual signal

My compression tester is at my Dad's, so I will do that tomorrow. Thanks!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mikekp
1997 - 2003 F150
9
Mar 25, 2018 02:05 AM
andrew1
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
25
Nov 11, 2010 08:05 PM
ErrorS
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
6
May 24, 2010 08:25 PM
ewturtle
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
3
Apr 22, 2006 08:28 AM
jaymay75
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
1
May 19, 2004 02:53 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:00 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

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


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE