Headgasket Replacement, What else Should Be Replaced

[daniel3507]

Well it looks like I will be having to fix my headgasket problem here in a couple of weeks. Im not real happy about it but figured since im going to be in there I might as well replace anything else that may be worn and in need of replacement or anything that could be close. The problem though, I'm not exactly sure what all that is with the 4.0. I know push rods can sometimes lead to a ticking sound if they get warped but im not sure what else could be done. Any thoughts?

 

[Ranger44]

water pump, thermostat, any hoses, etc. you may even want to consider doing the timing cover and chain while you have everything apart(make sure to slather that oil pan gasket with rtv before putting the timing cover back on). Rocker arms and rods may not be a bad idea.

Flush the cooling system and put new coolant in. change your oil and filter.

Would be a good idea to do a tune up if you've never done it.

Better to do it all and be worry free, than be second guessing, or regretting not doing something.

 

[ashleyroachclip]

I personally have run across more cracked heads than bad head gaskets

Push rods are not a problem on the 4.0 to my knowledge
I have replaced the heads on my 4.0 at 300K miles, now at 514K

 

[daniel3507]

Im thinking about getting Morana Racing Stage 1 heads since they have to come off anyway. I dont really want to spend the $500 on them but I didnt realize cracked heads were that big of a problem with the 4.0

 

[289-tiger-]

Well it looks like I will be having to fix my headgasket problem here in a couple of weeks. Im not real happy about it but figured since im going to be in there I might as well replace anything else that may be worn and in need of replacement or anything that could be close. The problem though, I'm not exactly sure what all that is with the 4.0. I know push rods can sometimes lead to a ticking sound if they get warped but im not sure what else could be done. Any thoughts?

Well Boss, it will be up to you. You have determined a head gasket is the problem, is anything else broke? You won't be able to up performance or reliability working on just one side of the block. The 4.0 is like any other motor, just figure what you want it to do, get a big enough wallet, consult and hire really good machinist..and enjoy.

Good luck

 

[Yellowsplash]

Have the heads pressure checked and if they pass, have them resurfaced (on a mill, not on a table sander...beware who you have as a machinist). If not, pick up a set of aftermarket castings. Ebay is a good place for these. Be sure to pick up a head set gasket kit...it will come with everything from the head gaskets up. Dont forget about new head bolts. Water pump and thermostat are not a bad idea, but pass up on the chain and sproket set. In my opinion, unless you have 200K+ miles or will have the engine completely out of the truck (which you dont have to in order to replace the heads) its not necessary. If you have the dreaded "engine tap" from worn pushrods and rocker arms now would be a good time to fix that. Take your time, take your time. Label everything correctly and neatly so assembly is as easy as disassembly.

 

[daniel3507]

What about roller rockers? Be worth it and would I be able to find any?

 

[exbass94]

Replace the head bolts.

 

[Ranger44]

Water pump and thermostat are not a bad idea, but pass up on the chain and sproket set. In my opinion, unless you have 200K+ miles or will have the engine completely out of the truck (which you dont have to in order to replace the heads) its not necessary.

If you're gonna have the water pump off and all the accessory brackets off it's an awesome time to replace the timing cover gasket. They leak. I've seen engines with 100K on them leak. The gasket usually goes out right around the water ways. And if you have the timing cover off.....may as well do the timing chain.......just standard practice.

I did all the same work on a 3L of mine and passed up on the cover and not even a year down the road, the front seal and timing cover started leaking. It's not that much further to go.

And +1 on having the heads magnafluxed, pressure tested, and checked over. IMO, the quicket way to go is order a reworked set off ebay. I did for the 3L mentioned above and it was cost and time effective.

Good company. Same company I used and can't beat the price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/REBU...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories


.

 

[Yellowsplash]

If you're gonna have the water pump off and all the accessory brackets off it's an awesome time to replace the timing cover gasket. They leak. I've seen engines with 100K on them leak. The gasket usually goes out right around the water ways. And if you have the timing cover off.....may as well do the timing chain.......just standard practice.

I didnt say its not a good idea to replace any gaskets, or replacing the timing set was a BAD idea for that matter ...I just said that replacing the timing sprockets and chain isnt necessary, in the situation that your trying to keep costs down. Its not like a timing belt, and isnt a failure prone item. What worries me more is having the room to drop the oil pan in order to remove all said items while the motor is still mounted in the engine bay. I know I wouldnt want to have to attempt this. Now if the OP is going to pull the engine then by all means freshen up everything within your budget.

As far as aftermarket roller rockers...thats a no-go as nobody makes any. The only upgrade to be had is deltas replacement rocker arms with hardened inserts to prevent wear and the famous "tick" older 4.0s make. They also make pushrods with hardened ends to match if yours are worn.

 

[daniel3507]

okay so right now what im looking at is replacing the heads with the stage 1 heads, the rockers and pushrods with the Delta ones, (thanks for that one yellow, I never would have found those), thermostat, water pump, and head bolts. Im probably going to hold off on the timing cover and everything becuase this is going to be costing me enough as it is.

 

[Ranger44]

I didnt say its not a good idea to replace any gaskets, or replacing the timing set was a BAD idea for that matter ...I just said that replacing the timing sprockets and chain isnt necessary, in the situation that your trying to keep costs down. Its not like a timing belt, and isnt a failure prone item. What worries me more is having the room to drop the oil pan in order to remove all said items while the motor is still mounted in the engine bay. I know I wouldnt want to have to attempt this. Now if the OP is going to pull the engine then by all means freshen up everything within your budget.

As far as aftermarket roller rockers...thats a no-go as nobody makes any. The only upgrade to be had is deltas replacement rocker arms with hardened inserts to prevent wear and the famous "tick" older 4.0s make. They also make pushrods with hardened ends to match if yours are worn.

I wasn't even sure what the budget was, but he asked for opinions. I gave him mine from personally experience and being a technician. I have always gone by the theory of....if in doubt replace it.

Also, the pan doesn't need to be dropped to do the timing cover. The 2 front bolts just need to be taken out of the pan to remove it.

What ever the OP decides is totally up to him. It's just my opinion to do it all, and be worry free.

Btw, for the gaskets and stuff....have you checked out rockauto.com? It will more than likely save you money. I've turned several $1000 jobs into $500-$600.

Good luck man!

 

[Big Jim M]

Me? I'd just look closely at the heads and the gaskets. If I found a gasket burnt and leaking I'd clean everything up and reinstall the same heads on new haskets and a new thermostat. That's about as cheap as you could go and if everything else is working I'd leave it alone.
As far as taking the heads to a shop or getting new heads goes.. WHY? New heads won't make it run better if the ones I have are Ok.
If I had a little more money I'd put a NEW coolant pump on there.
Big JIm

 

[Yellowsplash]

I have always gone by the theory of....if in doubt replace it.

What ever the OP decides is totally up to him. It's just my opinion to do it all, and be worry free.

I dont blame ya a bit. Good mentality to have.

 

[daniel3507]

Depending on the my money situation and the amount of time I have when I do this in a couple weeks I may try and do the timing cover and what not. I havent checked rockauto for gaskets but I have ordered parts from there so I will be checking them out for gaskets. Thanks for all the help everyone. Hopefully this wont suck as much as Im thinking.