I've had my '88 F-150 4x4 for about a year and a half. It has approximately 140,000 miles and the motor has never been apart.

In the past I've noticed that ever so often it will expel coolant at a spot behind the front axle. Not a great amount at any time and it won't do it all the time. I'll sometime notice the temp gauge edging towards the middle of the normal range. When that happens I put about a gallon of water, anti-freeze, or 50-50 mix in the radiator and the needle goes back to the low end of the spectrum. There is never any coolant in the overflow bottle.

About a week ago, I was ready to make about a 180 mile trip. I got down the road about 30 miles and the truck got hot. I shut it down, let it cool for about 15 minutes, filled the overflow bottle and started driving back. The truck ran fine and didn't overheat in that 30 miles.

I took it to the shop and the guy told me it had a blown head gasket and gave me an estimate for $1800. I would never pay that much for a blown head gasket when I can get a rebuilt motor installed in Dallas for $1650.

My father in law says his '89 has done much the same thing since he bought it with 86,000 miles on it and it now has 230,000. He says he carries a gallon of water with him. That is his solution and he is a mechanic.

There is no evidence of coolant in the oil. I changed it the day before I left and it still looks new and seems to be the consistency it should be. The old oil was black no signs of milky color.

Any input?

 

Updates:

As I was taking the radiator cap off, the gasket split in about 3 places. I filled the radiator and started the truck. As I looked at the front of the engine, I could see a steady stream of water running down the front of the engine from towards the top. It appeared to be 2-3 inches to the passenger side of the water pump. I was looking at it from the front looking from right in front of the alternator. I will be replacing the radiator cop later this evening.

I also remember that as an afterthought the shop guy mentioned that it also had a "timing cover leak". That may not be exactly what he said, but I was thinking blown head gasket and $1800 and I don't guess I was paying as close attention as I should have.

input?

 

Well, to be completely sure about the head gasket you could run a chemical block test. Are you getting any white smoke out of your exhaust, or maybe a sweet smell?

 

Update II:

$7 radiator cap and $6 bottle of Bars Leak Heavy duty. followed label instructions, not overheat, no water running down front of engine or anywhere.

I know it's probably temporary, but the motor's not ready to rebuild yet and hopefully I've bought some more time. I don't see doing any kind of major repair at 140,000 without just rebuilding.

Thanks for all the input!

Todd.