Leaking Head Gaskets
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Leaking Head Gaskets
I have just been told by a Ford mechanic that my head gaskets must be replaced at a cost of about $2400. The truck is a 2001 with 85K miles on it. I have driven it since it had 18k and it has not overheated or been abused. It seems that leaking head gaskets are very premature on this 7.3 engine.
Has anyone else had this problem with this engine?
Has anyone else had this problem with this engine?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
Welcome to FTE Gary! What makes the mechanic think your head gaskets are leaking? Blown head gaskets are not common on these trucks unless you start pushing 30+psi of boost through them regularly. Can you get back to us with some more info that may help us figure out what is going on?
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Joined: Feb 2009
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Welcome to FTE Gary! What makes the mechanic think your head gaskets are leaking? Blown head gaskets are not common on these trucks unless you start pushing 30+psi of boost through them regularly. Can you get back to us with some more info that may help us figure out what is going on?
And welcome to FTE 
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Kiowa CO
Welcome to FTE,
I would try a second opinion as well. Not a real problem with the 7.3's. Now 6.0's have a history of lifting heads and blowing gaskets. I wonder if that mechanic is throwing that blanket over all Powerstroke engines???
I would try a second opinion as well. Not a real problem with the 7.3's. Now 6.0's have a history of lifting heads and blowing gaskets. I wonder if that mechanic is throwing that blanket over all Powerstroke engines???
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
Like that ever happens! 
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Kiowa CO
That and maybe the dealership is slow and trying to drum up some biz.
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The truck just started leaking on my carport floor this week. It has not been overheated. I went to pick it up & looked under it on the rack at the dealership and it sure looks like the head gasket is leaking on the rear.
I have only pulled a 5th wheel & travel trailer with it and it has not been driven much since I sold my 5th wheel just before Christmas. It has 85K miles on it and has not been chipped or turned up. It is strickly stock all the way.
Help
I have only pulled a 5th wheel & travel trailer with it and it has not been driven much since I sold my 5th wheel just before Christmas. It has 85K miles on it and has not been chipped or turned up. It is strickly stock all the way.
Help
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Ky
maybe you have a bad soft plug in the back of the motor.or a leaky heater core..or a bad heater core hose..
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Kiowa CO
The truck just started leaking on my carport floor this week. It has not been overheated. I went to pick it up & looked under it on the rack at the dealership and it sure looks like the head gasket is leaking on the rear.
I have only pulled a 5th wheel & travel trailer with it and it has not been driven much since I sold my 5th wheel just before Christmas. It has 85K miles on it and has not been chipped or turned up. It is strickly stock all the way.
Help
I have only pulled a 5th wheel & travel trailer with it and it has not been driven much since I sold my 5th wheel just before Christmas. It has 85K miles on it and has not been chipped or turned up. It is strickly stock all the way.
Help
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My wife noticed the oil spot yesterday after I went to work and called me to let me know something was leaking. She wiped it up and said it looked like oil not coolant. When it was up on the rack today at the dealership it looked like it was coming from the rear of the head on the passenger side.
After it sit for a while tonight I checked the oil and it appears clean (changed 1000 miles ago) and does not smell of coolant. Also I didn't see any leakage on the floor after driving it home. I will check it again tomorrow and see if it has leaked again.
Really seems odd that a head gasket would just start leaking almost overnight. The only thing I have done to this truck is put batteries on it and a Camshaft Sensor or is it crankshaft, which Ford paid for two months later with a recall.
Thanks for all your help and responses.
After it sit for a while tonight I checked the oil and it appears clean (changed 1000 miles ago) and does not smell of coolant. Also I didn't see any leakage on the floor after driving it home. I will check it again tomorrow and see if it has leaked again.
Really seems odd that a head gasket would just start leaking almost overnight. The only thing I have done to this truck is put batteries on it and a Camshaft Sensor or is it crankshaft,
which Ford paid for two months later with a recall.Thanks for all your help and responses.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
My wife noticed the oil spot yesterday after I went to work and called me to let me know something was leaking. She wiped it up and said it looked like oil not coolant. When it was up on the rack today at the dealership it looked like it was coming from the rear of the head on the passenger side.
After it sit for a while tonight I checked the oil and it appears clean (changed 1000 miles ago) and does not smell of coolant. Also I didn't see any leakage on the floor after driving it home. I will check it again tomorrow and see if it has leaked again.
Really seems odd that a head gasket would just start leaking almost overnight. The only thing I have done to this truck is put batteries on it and a Camshaft Sensor or is it crankshaft, which Ford paid for two months later with a recall.
Thanks for all your help and responses.
After it sit for a while tonight I checked the oil and it appears clean (changed 1000 miles ago) and does not smell of coolant. Also I didn't see any leakage on the floor after driving it home. I will check it again tomorrow and see if it has leaked again.
Really seems odd that a head gasket would just start leaking almost overnight. The only thing I have done to this truck is put batteries on it and a Camshaft Sensor or is it crankshaft,
which Ford paid for two months later with a recall.Thanks for all your help and responses.