I need to replace the head gaskets on my 2003 F150, 5.4L. One port was apparently clogged and caused the engine to overheat. The price seems resonable for Machining the heads, new gaskets, new plugs and etc. The question I have is, what else do I need to have them replace? He is pulling the engine so their has to be some preventative items that I can have replaced at the same time that will not add much to the 2k bill. Are there any hard to reach parts that I can have them replace at this time. The truck has 95k miles on it.

Thanks,

 

If you live in the rust belt check the exhaust manifolds and studs out. If the studs/nuts are getting bad thats the time to change them and the manifolds. Change BOTH head gaskets while you are at it. New EGR tube as well. Radiator good? Good luck.

 

How many miles on that engine? if your pulling the engine I'd consider replacing it with low miles used (getting hard to find low miles used for that year) or rebuilt.

 

Thanks, the manifold looks to be in good shape.

 

The truck only has 84,000 miles, so I am just replacing the gaskets. The failure seemed to be caused by overheating the motor one time. The thermostat did not open one morning. As soon as I noticed the temp light and gauge I stopped, but the damage was done. Replace the thermostat and it never cooled right so I did a block test. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

If it overheated to a point where it blew a head gasket, I'd be concerned about warpage too. It's very possible that if you just replaced the head gasket, it might still leak.