DTC help

[JoshT]

Just an update...

Tried seafoam and it didn't help the problem. It might have helped the engine but it was acting up to much to tell. To I pulled it into dad's shop theis past weekend and proceeded to pull the heads. Turns out that I probably had one bad head gasket and possibly another on the way. Took the heads to the machine shop and found out that they were both cracked! Going to order new heads from Alabama Cylinder Head Exchange, they are $205 a piece complete with brand new head casting that are supposed to be beefier where it matters. I could probably find a decent set at a local yard but that would take longer than I care to spend.

Also considering getting the F-40 lifter and pushrod set from Delta Cams if they would work on my 99, and if the could have them here by this Saturday. (doubtful since they are clear across the country) Maybe I don't need to worry about it since I don't remember hearing any lifter tick, but I'd hate to have to pull it all back apart to replace them later. So how do I check the lifters and pushrods to see if I might need this kit?

 

[naford]

Sorry I sent you down the wrong path. What do the new heads come with? I'm sure if you need parts they can be overnited or even second day. Just make sure you ask what it is going to cost.

 

[JoshT]

No problem man! I'm not familiar with the SOHC engines and a lifter may be able to slip out on one of those. On these OHV engines the lifters can not come out of their bores without the heads being off, hence the reason I'm going to check them over good before reassembling the engine. The springs were not visibly broken, but one (or more) of the springs could be worn for all I know. That's one of the reasons that these heads are worth it.

The heads were 460 shipped. They are complete heads. They come with new castings, new valves, new springs, new retainers, etc. With their improved casting they should be less prone to cracking. The sales rep told me they could arrive tomorrow, but should be here by Friday.

Upon further consideration I have decided that I will not be getting the Delta camshaft Rocker & Pushrod combo for now. The valve covers are easy enough to get to that I can replace them later. Like I said I need the truck running now, well these wouldn't be here until sometime next week. It's also an extra $200 that I may not need to spend, better off waiting to see if I need them.