Head gaskets,

[1994xlt]

Well if you all know the issue I’ve had with my truck, the stalling issues, the gas fill neck, the idle sensor, the o2 sensor, the list goes on, well there’s now a major coolant leak on this truck, and it’s head gaskets…I’m crushed, I’m 17 just got this truck 3 months ago I worked so hard for this truck sweating my butt off in the summer heat mowing lawns and stuff and now my truck needs head gaskets, they are getting me a quote tomorrow at this point I don’t want to sell the truck it’s worthless with Headgasket issues, and it’s ag 128k miles, do I put a engine in it or do the headgaskets I don’t know what to do I’m really just discouraged really like damn I think everything that could go bad or wrong on tho truck is happening

 

[rumblecloud]

Hey kiddo..I feel for ya.

Maybe take a week off and think about it. I know money is a BIG issue with you. You've already proven you're not afraid of the work. Head gaskets aren't too bad once you can get to them. It can be done with the engine in place. I did mine at around 200K

127K is nothing for that 4.0. I'm running close to double that and some here are running even more.

The heads may need machining as they can develop cracks. If you go with a replacement engine, you may end up with the same issues.

You'll figure it out.

 

[JJMaine]

I was in this same boat a few months ago with my truck at 115k miles. If you can find someone to help you and they have the equipment needed to pull the engine I promise it isn't too hard of a job. I can link you some great step by step videos of the entire process.

IF you decide to pay a shop to do the work find a reputable independent shop, it'll be much cheaper than a dealership.

If you decide to tackle it yourself I can answer most questions since I just completed mine and it's fresh in my mind. Also, plan on changing the timing components while you're in there and your engine will last you many miles longer. Good luck sir!!!

 

[JJMaine]

Oh I just realized you have the OHV engine. Like Rumblecloud said you can do it with the engine in the truck which is a huge deal. Also your quote should be a lot less than mine was, you got this!

 

[1994xlt]

Oh I just realized you have the OHV engine. Like Rumblecloud said you can do it with the engine in the truck which is a huge deal. Also your quote should be a lot less than mine was, you got this!

If you don’t mind me asking how much was your quote?

 

[1994xlt]

Hey kiddo..I feel for ya.

Maybe take a week off and think about it. I know money is a BIG issue with you. You've already proven you're not afraid of the work. Head gaskets aren't too bad once you can get to them. It can be done with the engine in place. I did mine at around 200K

127K is nothing for that 4.0. I'm running close to double that and some here are running even more.

The heads may need machining as they can develop cracks. If you go with a replacement engine, you may end up with the same issues.

You'll figure it out.

Thank you, yeah wasn’t the news I was wanting but what can ya do, right now I just keep pouring in coolant and running it am I risking hurting the motor more, it’s not getting into the oil it’s just making a mess of my whole truck really

 

[JJMaine]

My quote was $6k but that was for the 4.0 SOHC engine which is a much more involved job and the engine has to come out of the truck to do the head gaskets.

You say the coolant is making a mess of your engine bay? Could it be you have an external coolant leak and not a head gasket issue? How did you confirm you need head gaskets?

 

[1994xlt]

Hey kiddo..I feel for ya.

Maybe take a week off and think about it. I know money is a BIG issue with you. You've already proven you're not afraid of the work. Head gaskets aren't too bad once you can get to them. It can be done with the engine in place. I did mine at around 200K

127K is nothing for that 4.0. I'm running close to double that and some here are running even more.

The heads may need machining as they can develop cracks. If you go with a replacement engine, you may end up with the same issues.

You'll figure it out.

I’m gonna get a quote on a head gaskets as well as a quote on a used-new motor install, I found a used motor online it’s rebuilt and it has a 5 year/70k mile warranty

My quote was $6k but that was for the 4.0 SOHC engine which is a much more involved job and the engine has to come out of the truck to do the head gaskets.

You say the coolant is making a mess of your engine bay? Could it be you have an external coolant leak and not a head gasket issue? How did you confirm you need head gaskets?

had a guy at my work look at it with a mirror and he said it’s coming right out of my Headgasket

 

[1994xlt]

I’m gonna get a quote on a head gaskets as well as a quote on a used-new motor install, I found a used motor online it’s rebuilt and it has a 5 year/70k mile warranty

had a guy at my work look at it with a mirror and he said it’s coming right out of my Headgasket

The stuff on the wheel well is power steering for some reason it shot out my vent cap i don’t know why tho but it’s leaking on that side of the block it’s hard to get a good picture of it

 

[JJMaine]

Does you work have a head gasket test kit that you put the fluid in and on your radiator while the engine is running? I'd try to get your hands on one of those and be 100% sure the head gasket is the issue.

I went through my truck and replaced plugs, wires, coil and fuel pump before finally figuring out I had bad head gaskets. That $30 tester would have saved me lots of money in parts and time.

 

[1994xlt]

My quote was $6k but that was for the 4.0 SOHC engine which is a much more involved job and the engine has to come out of the truck to do the head gaskets.

You say the coolant is making a mess of your engine bay? Could it be you have an external coolant leak and not a head gasket issue? How did you confirm you need head gaskets?

I’m gonna get a quote on a head gaskets as well as a quote on a used-new motor install, I found a used motor online it’s rebuilt and it has a 5 year/70k mile warranty

had a guy at my work look at it with a mirror and he said it’s coming right out of my Headgasket

Does you work have a head gasket test kit that you put the fluid in and on your radiator while the engine is running? I'd try to get your hands on one of those and be 100% sure the head gasket is the issue.

I went through my truck and replaced plugs, wires, coil and fuel pump before finally figuring out I had bad head gaskets. That $30 tester would have saved me lots of money in parts and time.

View attachment 137519

Yes we do have one I’ll put it on today, would it work if it’s an external jeadgasket leak

 

[JJMaine]

I'm not at all familiar with the OHV engine but that tool tests your cooling system for combustion gases. If the gasket isn't leaking into the cylinders than I don't think you would have any gases in the cooling system and that would be a good thing in my mind. I'm not an expert by any means, I just managed to fumble my way through fixing my engine with these guys help on here.

I'm sure someone will be here shortly to give you some better advice. Good luck to you, you'll have it fixed in no time I'm sure!

 

[1994xlt]

Thank you sir

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Head gaskets on a 4.0 OHV aren’t bad to do. Other than parts and basic hand tools the only important thing is a torque wrench. I’ve done them in the vehicle before. It looks like a crazy complicated task, especially at the age of 17, but it’s just a bunch of bolts. I could probably do it in an afternoon if no machining is required and that would be taking my time. I’ve done it without taking the fan off, but it’s a lot easier with it off. I just flip the AC compressor and power steering off to the side instead of disconnecting the lines. Same for dealing with the fuel rail, I just leave it on the lower intake and set that off to the side.

 

[1994xlt]

Head gaskets on a 4.0 OHV aren’t bad to do. Other than parts and basic hand tools the only important thing is a torque wrench. I’ve done them in the vehicle before. It looks like a crazy complicated task, especially at the age of 17, but it’s just a bunch of bolts. I could probably do it in an afternoon if no machining is required and that would be taking my time. I’ve done it without taking the fan off, but it’s a lot easier with it off. I just flip the AC compressor and power steering off to the side instead of disconnecting the lines. Same for dealing with the fuel rail, I just leave it on the lower intake and set that off to the side.

I want to do them myself but my mom is reluctant to let me do it in the garage she’s all like “ no if somthing breaks it’s gonna be stuck in MY garage” witch sucks to hear but what can ya do, if the head gasket job is more then 2 grand may look into a motor