f-350 head ?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
f-350 head ?
Guys my sons 1984 f-350 6.9 diesel started drinking anti-freeze by the gallon. How can I tell if it's a cracked head or just head gasket problem? The truck still runs but started going through at-freeze very fast. The truck is just to good of an old truck to give up on it. Please give alittle advice cause my son really would like to keep his truck but I just don't know how much money it will take to fix.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,802
Likes: 1
Heads don't crack too often on these trucks, however gaskets blow left and right and Ford redesigned them not once but twice to take care of their issues. You'll have to pull the head tho, and at that point might as well pull the other head too and fix both sides at the same time
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks ctu I hope its just head gaskets if so maybe it won't cost an arm or a leg. I might make it a project and do it myself. I know I will learn a thing or two if I jump into it. I already put a new power-steering pump and a new windshield wiper motor on it so might as well get into it and try myself.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,802
Likes: 1
Make it your own project - according to the shop labor guide it's 9.8 hours to to the passenger-side alone, 9.1 for the driver-side alone, and 13.5 hours if both are done at once. Also the passenger-side head is a bear to replace if the truck has factory A/C setup, and they're heavy as hell too, so a shop will charge you good on both of these counts. May be a good time to install the ARP head studs, which help with higher boost numbers if at some point in the future your son decides he wants a turbo on it...
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
The ARP studs also tend to reduce the rate of gasket failure.
The 6.9 isn't easy to work on, mostly due to it's mass. There's a few little quirks that are diesel specific that must be taken into consideration, but head gaskets are something that most people with average skill can do.
The 6.9 isn't easy to work on, mostly due to it's mass. There's a few little quirks that are diesel specific that must be taken into consideration, but head gaskets are something that most people with average skill can do.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks guys if I do the job myself I might be asking a few more things. I do thank you for your help. It is a good looking truck for its age,body in great shape. May make it a summer project so wish me luck!