I have a 96 F150 w/302, and automatic trans. It has 78k on it. The tailpipe, you can eat off of, I am just worried that someting is wrong, like a head gasket or someting. At first startup, a little water comes out of the pipe that has a slight tinge of green to it. Had the truck for 2k miles already. Doesn't use oil at all, coolant looks fine. Am I just being overcautious?
Thanks,
Rich

 

Unfortunately, the only comments on this subject (including past questions) that I've heard are much like those you got on the ford-trucks mailing list. Some say it's a chemical reaction- others say it's a leak.
Personally, my truck's exhaust is as black as coal. If you're not losing coolant, then it might just be a chemical reaction. Until you're sure, keep checking those fluid levels!

 

Mine, of course with the tips is fine inside. Mine drips because of the cat convertor. Its (I guess) supposed to do that. What octane do you run in your truck? It might be a difference in octane that causes it.

 

I have a l996 F-150 I purchased new. Since the day one, the tail pipe is super clean interior surface. I keep the oil changed every other month and all filters changed more often than required and keep everything tuned up. Whenever I change the plugs they are as clean as the tail pipe. Most of my driving is stop and go arround town and very little highway driving.

I am big on preventative maintaince. The truck runs great and still has the original battery. Also the engine is clean enough to eat off of.

 

Insect2: You sound like me. Maintence will make a truck last a long long time. I wash my truck at least once in two weeks. Do you by any chance have any pictures of your truck?

 

Pastmaster: I do have some photos of my truck by don't know how to put them on this forum.

It's pacific green, std. cab, I-6.

I probably go overboard on preventative maintaince. But its better than a breakdown.
I still have the original battery that came with my truck. It still check out good. I check everything myself. I run 10W-30 Mobil one and Mobil one oil filter. I have a special drain valve on the oil drain and can open the valve and remove two quarts of oil and put in two new quarts of Mobil #1. I change the filter about every six months. I drive short distances in town and dont put but maby 5,000 miles each year.

I found this place that sells the drain plug valves just for trucks and it allows you to drain out all of the oil or just a small part for analyasis.