Hi!

Has anyone on here changed the head-gaskets on a 2v 5.4L Triton before? This weekend we are putting new head-gaskets in a 99 Expedition with the 5.4L. (The car has been way down on power lately and although its not leaking oil, it was determined by the dealer as needing new headgaskets as it has been losing power since it overheated one day - but still drives fine and doesnt smoke aside from the power-loss)

Does anyone have a PDF of the service manual or procedure they'd be willing to share? I'd be ever so grateful. I had one but I can't find it.

I know Ford instructs you to pull the motor so you don't increase the chances of messing up the gaskets or mating-surface.....but we are going to do this with the motor in the truck. Anyone done this before? Also, do we need to find any special tools like the cam alignment tool?

Can anyone share any tips or documentation on removing the heads/changing the headgaskets? It would mean so much!

Thanks in advance!

 

The easiest way to do it is pull the motor! Unfortuatly!!!!
I just blew one and my guy had my motor out in half a day. But he dos do it often.
He pulles the motor to put headers on a Mustang,,,lol.

Phil

 

I know that is the easiest way, aside from lifting the body. But I am looking for tips in doing it with the motor in the truck. I am aware I'll have to be extremely careful not to scrape the mating surface on the dowels..

 

It can be done in the truck, but you'll kill yourself getting the heads in and out. Good luck.

 

Dont worry....have an extra set of hand and plenty of beer. Wish me luck

 

Good luck with it.
And let us know how it turns out.

Phil

 

For sure, will let you know what happens...

In the meantime, if anyone has a service manual they can send me would be mucho appreciated.

Wish me luck!

 

Here's the way to do it:

 

Thats the way they changed the motor's in the factory if they had a problem with them

 

I replaced the heads on mine, with the motor in, and once was enough. If I was doing it again, I'd pull the engine.

 

Here is the secret. We do it all the time like this. The problem is the back head bolt is to long to take out with the head on. Just slide the bolt up about 3/4 of the way and wrap a rubber band around the back two bolts pinching them together. Do the same upon reassembly. Good Luck

 

WOW thats a really good Idea

 

Its kinda hard to explain with words, but it works great.

 

There is always more than one way to skin a cat!

 

I would pull it - get a couple manifolds off ebay first , there cheap , your going bust the manifold flange bolts on your stock ones. It will save you lots of time.