Hey everyone, just signed up to the site today. Trying to do research on my oil leak. I am driving a 2000 F-150 S/C S/B 4.6L 243,000km on her. Just bought it about 6 months ago over all great truck have always been a ford guy it's in the family blood. I had to replace rear end within the first month, everything but the axles and axle tube. Thought it was the valve cover gasket so I replaced it, now it's still leaking and not coming from the valve cover. Have done a pile of research, and it sound like that this is a known problem with the Romeo built 4.6's how do I check if it is a Romeo built engine. As well how long should it take to change the head gasket, I'm not exactly mechanically inclined I can do the basics and what not. From what I've researched it seems like a pretty big job.
A little input would be appreciated.

 

I believe the 8th space in the VIN will be a W for the Romeo engine. Mine is a Romeo engine, and had this problem repaired by Ford just before I bought it.

If you can see the back of the head/block from below, or, from above with a small mirror, you can degrease that area, warm up the engine for a while and then shine a "black light" at the area. Leak should be easier to see.

If that is the problem, depending on what causes the leak, it could be big $$$ to repair. Some leaks are caused by machine work residue trapped in the head/block/gasket surface area, some by slight distortion in the head sealing surface. Even chance you may need a new head. There is a special design head gasket just for this repair. You might get lucky ( I never do ?) A while back, I mentioned that a lot of guys around here just pull the engine instead of major rebuild work. Maybe this is one of those times ?

Dave

 

there is an oil passage at the rear of that head and it leaks through the gasket material. It is a pretty big job, especially if there is any rust on the motor. It won't really hurt the engine's performance, you'll just have a leak.

 

I would love to just leave it, but it leaks enough that it smokes like a *******. Is there something I can do for a temporary fix ?

 

You can do the following. It will help if not completely eliminate the leak.

1. With engine cold, clean the area around the back and side of the head to block mating area with brake cleaner. Get it completely clean like brand new.
2. Apply JB Weld to the mating area to seal the mating surfaces. Make sure you go along the seam of the head/block under the exhaust manifold as far as you can forward. Don't be too stingy with the JB Weld. Get a good coating all along the mating surface.
3. Let dry overnight.

I have stopped oil leaks before with JB Weld and it will hold up. It will also allow you to break it loose if you ever do need to remove the head. I have even sealed up exhaust leaks with it before.