I see where you guys are coming from. However, the leak will only get worse. Also, when I go to sell this, I'd rather have this fixed first.

I drive a lot. Some trips over 1000 miles. I cannot have a truck that has any issues.

 

I'm still having a hard time seeing how a bad head gasket will leak oil to the outside of the block. To be fair I haven't seen one of these motors torn apart to know where the oil galleys are and if one is close to the outside edge where it could leak. However, almost every bad head gasket I have seen is on the piston where the temps and pressure are the highest. The other failures I have seen are due to the engine overheating and the head warping. You said it isn't running hot and the oil isn't going into the water jacket or vice versa. Have you done a compression check on it?

I can understand your desire to have solid transportation but based on what you said that's only 1/7 a quart over 1000 miles. That amount of loss would barely show on a dipstick. I'm pretty picky about my cars and watch their fluid levels and condition pretty close but that small of leak would not bother me. Plus, I'm skeptical of a lot of dealership techs. Many seem to survive on throwing parts at a car until they find the right one instead of doing actual troubleshooting work. I would bet you were quoted this as a fix because it will require almost every gasket on the truck to be changed, it's a sure fire way to fix it without actually figuring out what the problem is.

 

When I read up on it, I was confused too as to how it would be leaking oil to the outside of the block. However, I know this service guy well at the ford dealer and have gone to him for years. He assured me the oil dye is very accurate.

Either way, I'll still have a compression test done to be sure. I have a family friend that will do the work for just the cost of parts so it shouldn't be too bad.

Some say I'm too fussy and I shouldn't worry about it, but this truck is a 2008 with 70k and leaking head gaskets aren't going to get better. On top of that, if I keep this truck another year, I'll probably put 30k on it in that time and I don't want any issues when I sell it. The rest of the truck is in better condition than some brand new trucks I've seen on the road.

 

I've worked at a number of dealerships, they upsell anything that is questionable, out of liability and CYA.

Go talk to a tech anywhere and they'd tell you the same thing, what gets sold as needed may not get repaired if it was the tech's personal vehicle.

Just clean it and watch for where it comes out. And check your fluid levels.


Seep = noticble fluid outside of where it should be contained
Leak = dripping said fluid(s) on to the ground

 

The amount of oil loss is small, and much of the lost oil is probably getting sucked past the piston rings and valve guides, and burned up in combustion. Totally normal.

Personally, I'd just clean the area and keep an eye on it. Never heard of a blown head gasket where the only symptom was a small amount of oil leaking on the side of the motor. Valve cover gasket - now that's a different story.

I know you trust your mechanic, but he would not be the first one to recommend an unnecessary repair. I absolutely would not replace the head gaskets without getting a 2nd opinion.

 

Thanks guys. Cleaning the whole underside of the engine sounds like a pretty bid deal. I can't even reach some of the spots.

I can hear the oil sizzle as it drips on the exhaust before the cats. Therefore, no drips on the ground.

I'm having someone else check it as well and will have a compression test done.

Also, not sure if it means anything, but there is no soot around the tailpipe leading me to believe little or no oil is being consumed.

Good thing forums like this exist. Makes me second guess and look deeper into the issue.

With all the reading I've done on this, everyone seems to say the same thing; it's impossible to have a head gasket leak that's only leaking oil outside of the block.

That said, it is leaking oil outside of the block but I need another opinion as to exactly where it's leaking.

 

Valve covers can leak enough to drip down on the exhaust.


Depends on the design of the block. Some designs can leak oil outside the block through the head gaskets

 

Hold up, are you absolutely sure it's oil sizzling? I have seen a lot of A/C drains that fall onto the passenger side exhaust and will sizzle. If it was oil there would be a residue and burning oil smell. Without these I would lean more towards the sound being water not oil.

1/4 quart will not be enough to leave much if any soot on the tailpipe. To clean the side of the motor use lots of degreaser and water. Just make sure to keep the water low and far away from wires etc. A pressure washer would really help clean it up and pulling the tire off would give you a ton more room and better access to the side of the motor.

 

Just to clarify, not criticize, the 3.7 has been in the Mustang, Edge Sport, police package Explorer and Taurus and at least two Lincoln vehicles. I think that you are referring to the 3.5 that was in the vehicles that you listed.

I concur that anyone who is happy with a 4.2 F150 would probably be happy with the 3.7, thought as glc mentioned, there is no manual transmission available.

 

What did your truck run you if you don't mind me asking? I don't mind going to an automatic. Stop and go traffic gets really annoying with a stick.

Wookie, I was pretty certain it was oil. I could see the oil all over the engine right above the exhaust. But, I can't be 100%. However, I've heard it drip and sizzle on both sides of the truck. If it was ac, wouldn't it just be on one side?

 

It shouldn't be too difficult to see if you have any loose valve cover bolts. As said, it needs to be cleaned off to see where it starts leaking again.

 

Go to the parts store and get a compression tester kit and do it yourself. I would just about bet it is the valve covers. The chances of both head gaskets leaking oil are slim to none with 70k miles and no overheats.

 

I missed where it was dripping from both sides of your truck. The A/C should only be in the right side unless there is a line that runs across the motor that has condensation on it. I don't remember how the engine bay is layed out on that truck.

 

Sticker was just over 31K. Paid just over 26K.

 

I'll do that, thanks.

I guess I just don't understand why they put dye in the oil and said its both head gaskets. The tech first said, the dye is very accurate and to be honest, if it was my truck, I'd probably just leave it. So he wasn't even trying to take my money.

I'll get this figured out. I'm not going to have them just replace all of the seals, I'm going to be certain where the leak is coming from first.

Thanks everyone