2003 supercharged and all that good stuff. I paid 8,800 (outside of title, licenses, paperwork) for it an its in pretty good shape. But I would like to ask someone who has more knowledge than me. The engine has been redone. Guy got a long block about a year ago so it's fairly recent. Problem is mine was trying to overheat about 2 weeks after I got it. A mechanic I went to before knowing the age of the engine (I contacted the previous owner) said it had a busted head gasket or something to that effect. He wanted 5k to swap the engine out w/70k mile lightning engine from ford. My check engine light was on, but when I plug it up it showed one of my coils was the reason the service engine light came on, which the guy never mentioned.. I'm a little busy but I wanna get it looked at by a guy I've been told knows a fair bit and is willing to help me find and fix those issues. The real question I have is, should I change the radiator, thermostat, & water pump as well? Is this overheating problem common? My other 2000 f150 overheated once, but it was a split radiator. Oh, and my Harley truck switches between hot and normal (I never run it hot, I cut it off beforehand). Ive let it set for a bit then cracked/opened the resevoir (carefully), and it shot out like a gyser... What causes all of this??

 

Sorry for the textbook I just wrote

 

Also, white smoke out the tail pipe. It was so cold I couldn't tell the difference at first.

 

I don't wanna jump the gun, but sounds like you have a bad head gasket.... Check the oil and se if there is any signs of water in it.... Also take the radiator or reservoir cap off when it has cooled down, start the engine with the cap off and see if it is trying to blow water out, or if there seems to be exhaust pressure in there... .overheating, smoky tailpipe , not good together

 

way too many things to ask, and not enough specific information given...


might be better off listening to "the mechanic"

 

It's gonna get a new engine. Everything but the block itself. A bit pricy, but I don't really have an option since I plan on running it. I get a 3yr warranty w/unlimited miles. As far as "listen to the 'mechanic'" goes, I've always been told to get a second and third opinion. They ranged out a bit but always came back to swapping the engine out. It just took days at a time for all three of my opinions to get back with me

 

if its just a head gasket a hydrocarbon test would confirm it....just make sure you get a lightning block....there are differences from a regular f150 block....also upgrade the connecting rods<<< the weak link...