Hello
I've looked through the archives and see that mine is a common problem but I'd appreciate any and all suggestions re: how to proceed.
My story goes like this:
Our '97 Expd. w/ 4.6L auto w/ 55K mi. developed a very strange noise: after accelerating and letting off the gas there was a brief "whooshing" noise- something like a low frequency howl similar to a distant train whistle - I'd never heard anything like it and figured it was a vacum leak of some sort. About a month after the noise developed the check engine light came on but thats only happened once. We took it to our local wrench and he diagnosed it as a leaking head gasket and/or cracked head at #6 cylinder. The coolant was down about a gallon (what can I say- its the wife's vehicle and I dont open the hood often enough!) . After topping off the coolant the noise went away. He also tested the coolant w/ some type of concoction and detected the air leak. No evidence of water in the oil so far. Im guessing the noise was air entering through the head and/or gasket?? Anyway- he quoted me $1200 for the gasket replacement (more if its the head). I tend to figure on a worse case scenario so I'd say we are looking at a $1500+ repair when all is said and done.
Since this is a known problem can anyone give me a suggestion as to how to attempt to have FMC cover it? (stop laughing its just a drug-induced dream Im having).
Im also interested to hear any suggestions as to other repairs I should consider if/when I decide to have my mechanic do the job- he is suggesting he does both heads at the same time to avoid a more costly repair down the road....Im also considering trading the truck in on something else but really like not having payments!

comments suggestions? misery loves company and I suppose I have a lot of that w/ this issue! I see there is a TSB# 98B33 issued 4/99 re: coolant/cyl. head replacement- can anyone tell me what that or any other TSB / recall addresses?

Thanks a bunch folks!

realtime
1997 4.6L Expedition Eddie Bauer (wife's ride and vacation wagon)
2000 5.4L F-150 Flareside supercab

 

Cost me 1600 dollars to have the right head gasket replaced on my 5.4. This was the local Ford dealer that repaired mine.

I highly doubt you will need a replacement head. This seems to be a crappy gasket issue.

However keep in mind. A replacement head from Ford would cost 2500 dollars from what I was told before I took mine in for repair.

Any way now that I am over being mad at having to have the head gasket replaced at 39000 miles it seems the repair was worth it.

good luck

tom

 

In addition to the last reply. I was told there was only an additional 3 hours needed to replace the left head gasket.

As I being a cheap skate after paying so much for the truck decided I was only paying big bucks to fix what was broken.

Doing both would probably be the wise option if one can afford to be so wise.

IMHO

tom

 

Yah, once you get the cab off it's pretty easy do do both heads.

 

Just last week had the left head gasket replaced at 45K on a 2000 5.4. Ran fine, but noticed oil in the valley between the heads and a slight burnt oil smell. Always focused my attention to the right head gasket area as this is a common problem. Did a search here and could not find any left head gasket issues. I took the truck to the dealer I bought it from and Ford and I split the bill 70/30 which I was very grateful for since the warranty was out and this is a well documented problem. They charged about nine hours labor and didn't lift the cab, total bill was about $1300. I am very pleased with the dealer, Ford and the outcome.

 

Left head gasket leaks though not as common aren't that rare. My 99 5.4 went in last January with the typical right gasket leak. During the tear down, they discovered a lot of oil in the valley from the left gasket, so both were replaced. I was not aware of the left gasket problem until then. Both sides got the new four layer gasket, which has held so far.

 

you mean to replace a head gasket u have to lift the cab?

 

It can be done with the cab in place. I imagine those that have the equipment to lift the cab have a much easier time getting the job done.

It is possible in my truck any way but no fun.

tom