Head Gasket
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 62
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Head Gasket
Hello, I have a 1978 F-250 4x4 with the 400 in it. I just recently replaced the heater core and now I have all sorts of coolant problems. First my lower radiator hose blew a crack in it and now I have noticed a small bit of bubbles on the driver side front between the head and the block. Is this major trouble? Should I pull the heads even though I have know idea how big of a job pulling the heads are. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 640
Likes: 1
From: US/Baja border
As long as your running coolant in it the bubbles should dry out and leave a green coating if this is a leak.
You don't sound like your much into engines so I would suggest finding a good mechanic, pulling heads off is not something you do without knowing what you are doing.
I'm sure others on here here will help you all they can as I will so keep us informed.
You don't sound like your much into engines so I would suggest finding a good mechanic, pulling heads off is not something you do without knowing what you are doing.
I'm sure others on here here will help you all they can as I will so keep us informed.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 62
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Thank you old metal, have you heard of bars head gasket fixer, like there radiator stop leak. I was wondering if this would help? I am replacing the radiator cap, lower hose and thermostat this evening along with new coolant. Hopefully the little bit of a leak between the head and block will disappear. I know a little about engines, but as far as replacing the valves and/or head gaskets I might get a little lost. Thanks again
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 868
Likes: 3
From: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Big Grizz is exactly right, rad stop leak or bar's atop leak are great products if you're in an emergency. They can cause more trouble than there are worth, clogging the rad, heater core and water passages in the engine are a couple things that can go wrong. If you have bubbles between the head and block I'm afraid you have a blown head gasket, the good news is it comming out of the engine and not into the cylinder and piston which can ruin an engine depending on how big a leak you get. This is one of those problems that only gets bigger, so I'd fix it ASAP before you're walking or being towed.JMO
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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Update fellas, I replaced the lower and upper radiator hoses along with the cap and a new thermostat. The leak dried up when engine got hot, this was yesterday. Today when out looked under hood, there was the wet spot back again. So its time to go in deep. Here is my new question, which heads would I have on a stock 400 with the 2 barrel she is 1978 F-250 4x4. I think I will replace the stock intake since I am going to have to have it off so any advice in an intake now would be helpful. Thanks again so far
