99 Expedition Head Gaskets

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Jan 30, 2008 | 07:28 PM

GreatPyr

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99 Expedition Head Gaskets

I have a 99 Expedition with the 5.4L and 95,000 miles. I took it to the Ford dealer to find out where it is leaking oil. They tell me that is coming from one of the head gaskets and the other one is starting to leak. If I don't spend the $3,200 now to fix this, could it develop into something more damaging in the future? I'm wondering if it's worth putting the money into a truck with 95,000 miles on it.

Also, has anyone here replaced the fuel pump? I'm considering doing it myself and wondered if anyone had any problems doing it.

Thanks.

Jan 30, 2008 | 08:11 PM

phil6608

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From: Stanton DE

If your gasket is leaking oil. I would say it's just a matter of time and it will start leaking water too. If water leaks into the cylinder you can blow a piston or snap a rod!

Jan 30, 2008 | 09:24 PM

anfo

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If you have a leaking head gasket stop driving it, if the engine still runs good with no noises and has good power it is definately worth putting the money into especially with such low milage, you should be able to pull 300k out of that engine if you do regular maintenance. I just turned 139k and had to put a couple thousand into it but I know Ill get the money back out of it in spades.

Jan 30, 2008 | 09:44 PM

ronk1969

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From: kansas city kansas

fuel pump should not be too hard to replace. all you have to do is drop the tank and replace it. as long as you dont have to much gas in the tank it should not be too hard.
make sure you not leaking oil out of the valve cover gasket. the oil leak could be from there also. how much oil are you using?

Jan 30, 2008 | 09:55 PM

madsonp

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Joined: Dec 2005

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From: Billings, Montana

I agree with ronk1969, I bet the leak is out of the valve cover gasket. If I were you I'd get a second opinion from a different repair shop. Also $3200 seems real steep to me for the work. Sounds to me like they're trying to scam you.

Jan 30, 2008 | 10:57 PM

MisterCMK

Fleet Owner

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 24,724

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From: Blue Hill Township

Ouch on the $3200. Check your valve cover gaskets like the others mentioned. If they are not leaking, I would look into the head gaskets. It shouldn't be that bad of a project once you dig into it. 95k miles is just getting broken in with that motor.

Jan 31, 2008 | 01:17 PM

scottspoerry

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Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 272

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Many 99's suffered from the well known head gasket leaks caused by (apparently) badly machined heads. Thousands were repaired under warranty. (I remember seeing a picture of a dealer who was literally just lifting the body off the frames to get at the engines because they were doing so many head gasket repairs and the engines are such a pain to work on). There are WAY too many posts on his subject, but this sample can be be found on the modular v-8 forum:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...ht=head+gasket

Last edited by scottspoerry; Jan 31, 2008 at 01:20 PM.

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Feb 12, 2008 | 07:52 AM

GreatPyr

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Well, I followed the advice from this thread and took the truck to another Ford dealer in my area. I just told them it was dripping oil from somewhere and needed it checked out. They came back with the exact same diagnosis. It cost me some money, but it was worth it. I feel better about the 1st dealer I took it to now.

I also got a second estimate. They wanted $3,000 just to replace the head gaskets and send the heads out to have the milling checked. The first dealer I took it to is charging $3,200, but that includes all gaskets, sending the heads out to be checked/milled, new spark plugs, new coil boots, upper/lower radiator hoses, all new heater hoses, and about $120 previous diagnosis work (I originally had it there to check out several other things).

As my wife pointed out, this is the first time we've had to put any money it beyond normal maintenance/wear & tear, and it's paid for, so I'll be taking it to the 1st dealer and having the repair done.

Thanks all for your advice.