2003 F150, Lariat, FX4, 4WD, 205,000 miles - engine light came on, codes call out O2 and Misfire - 2 mechanics and 1 dealer diagnosed blown head gaskets. Front and rear good, transmission good, sway bar needs replacing, and some other minor things.

So far only routine maintenance has been needed. Recommended getting jasper rebuilt engine. Costs $5500 installed.

Should I replace engine or get new truck? really struggling with it cuz I love the truck....

 

Why not fix the misfire and change the O2s?
What are the codes that your check engine light is telling you.

Is your oil milky? are you loosing coolant? if not then your head gasket isn't bad.

I just got rid of my 02 with the 5.4 for an 07, but that was just because I wanted a flareside and something new to spend my money on.

 

With 205k miles, it may be time to let it go. But that depends on the condition of everything else, especially the body. Is it clean and not rusty? And the truck as is isn't worth that much to someone else. So, basically it's a salvage yard truck with a bad engine. Depends on your bank account. A used engine is an option but you never know exactly what you are getting. The decision is all yours!

 

thelariat02's questions are good ones to get answers to. If there's no direct evidence to support the gasket issue, fix the other stuff and drive on.

Perhaps a compression test is in order.

If it does need head gaskets, I would examine other indicators of engine condition, like performance and oil consumption. If these are within spec, I find it hard to believe you can't find someone who can replace the head gaskets for less than $5500. If they are not, then you have a decision to make.

 

Dealer would charge around $2000 for head gasket maybe $2200. The engine has over 200k on it though. Pretty sure you could find a complete engine used with half that on it for around $1000. Then just get someone capable to do the R&R for you. plan on spending another $500 for miscellaneous parts like intake gaskets and other things while your there.. I spent about $2500 doing my engine swap but I replaced lots of stuff I probably didnt heed to but I plan on keeping my truck until I'm dead. I did allot of it myself. Hired my brother in law to help some..

 

Well it depends on how new a truck you plan to get. if your talking a 2014 you will have a payment for a while most likely. Or you could just put a few thousand into the old one and have it in good running order for a few more years yet and no monthly payment. I know been thinking the same with my 05 with little over 153k on it now. As it needs a few things needing to be done down the road. Liked brakes and new tires again in about another 10k to 15k from now.