While I'm replacing the head gasket...

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Mar 20, 2010 | 07:03 AM

blue92f150

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While I'm replacing the head gasket...

I have a 92 with the 300 (~130k miles) that has been losing coolant and I noticed the dreaded milky oil and some frothing. So, I obviously need to replace the head gasket. I'm also hoping it's *not* a cracked head, but will that be *obvious*?

Now, while I'm in there, what else should I do? I really don't want to spend much, but I was looking to get some more power since I'm going to be towing a small boat (~4000lbs).

I've also heard people talk about putting ARP studs into the heads, but I'm not sure exactly why...

I have already cut off the dual cat's and replaced with a single high-flow and a magnaflow muffler, so I'm not going to do any more exhaust work.

Anything on the intake side I can do? I believe I have speed-density too.

And, as a last question, I'm assuming that I'll need the following gaskets when I'm replacing the head gasket - head (of course), valve cover, upper intake, lower intake, exhaust. Any more? Any *special tools* I'll need to get the head off?

Suggestions?

Thanks. Jim B.

Mar 20, 2010 | 07:44 PM

rikard

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Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,208

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From: North Reading Mass

Before pulling the head do a compression test or combustion dye test to determine if the head gasket is leaking. Its not a common issue with the 300 but it happens. Check the PCV system for proper function.
regards
rikard

Mar 20, 2010 | 09:32 PM

johnboy427

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: The Vieux Ford, Kansas

You should just be able to buy a head gasket set that has every thing you need in it. As for head cracks they can be very obvious or almost impossible to see. Unless you have gotten it hot or let it freeze I wouldn't worry too much about cracks, if you really want you can have it magged at a machine shop.
-John