Hey, I'm looking at a 1998 XLT. The build date on the truck is 1/98. Does this mean that it is going to have issues like the ones on www.leakingfords.com? I know they say if it was made after 1/15/98 it is okay. How can I tell the exact day it was built?

The truck is a nice one with 75k on it and I can get it for $6750 which is a pretty good deal so I want to really check it out.

Thanks!
Brad

 

you can call ford and give them the vin numebr and they will tell you the build date. I THINK its also on the door jam<-- not sure.

If your really worried about it<-- (which your should be). I would tell the guy your buying it from that you will buy the truck if they drop it down a couple 100 bucks. Then you can take that cash and have the gasket changed out OR pocket the cash and do it yourself. Dont be affraid to tell them why you want to have it changed out. If its a good dealer they may even offer to do it for you if you purchase the truck.


1998 75k xlt in mint condition fully loaded only rates about 7200 on kbb. not a bad deal but not great ither IMO. They should be willing to drop a bit to cover the cost.
if its a super cab then it rates around 8500 in mint condition.

 

What you need to know is the engine build date.Look on the drivers side valve cover and there is a decal with the date. If it reads after 1/15/98,you're ok. Keep us posted!

 

Well, bad news! I found the engine build date on the valve cover and it said 12/17/97!!!! So it is one of the bad ones. I couldn't confirm that the seals had been replaced as the current owner got it in 2000. It IS a supercab though, so I'd be getting a pretty decent deal I guess. How much is it to replace those gaskets???? I know there are 2 spots where they are.

thanks!

 

The timing cover gasket; cost,about $400-$600
The lower intake gaskets; cost,about $300-$500
Get a pressure test done and go from there.But,keep a very close eye on the coolant level! The instant you see it going down,get it in the shop ASAP!

 

Howdy,

You need to add stop leak to your cooling system. You really need to replace your gaskets, but stop leak will help.

Paul

 

I would recommend you not add stop leak to your coolant system. Suppose you clog the radiator with the stop leak; now you have a overheating engine,which in turn will most likely cause a head gasket to blow.Now you have to replace a radiator,head gaskets (you will want to do both) and hope you did not warp the heads.Still want to add stop leak?