Well, after over 7 years of good driving, my 2000 F150 4.6 has decided that it no longer wants to live. Last Saturday I was driving and she overheated on me. I was too far away from home, so I had to just stop and go until I got it home. I checked the overflow bottle and I had coolant, so I figured it was the thermostat so I checked it and the water pump. Well, I guess the coolant had just back flowed from pressure into the overflow bottle because there wasn't much coolant in the engine. I topped it off and drove it for a couple days. I was way overdue for an oil change so I did that yesterday. It had a good amount of moisture in the old oil, but I guess I foolishly chalked that up to the fact that I usually only drive the truck 4 miles at a time with 8-14 hours in between so the moisture had built up. There was no smell of coolant in the oil. I drained the oil, refilled it, topped off the coolant and started it up. Noticed a puddle of brownish water on the ground that wasn't there before. Looked under the truck and oily water was just pouring from the oil filter. I immediately shut it off. What had happened was the old oil filter seal had stuck itself to the block and caused the new filter to not seat properly, but that doesn't explain the massive amount of liquid pouring from it. I'm assuming a gasket somewhere, but I've never seen one leak like that before. The truck still runs great, as far as I know. I obviously haven't even thought about starting it since that happened. I think the cam chain or lash adjusters knock a little when it first starts up, but they quiet down once it's running and I'm assuming that's from watery oil. I'm guessing whatever has caused this happened last Saturday when it first overheated. I'm sure I didn't do it any good by driving it the past few days, but it does still run fine. No missing and, as far as I can tell, no coolant in the exhaust and no exhaust in the coolant. What could cause coolant to flow so fast into the oil? I can't really afford any repairs unless they can be done in the driveway, so if it's something pretty major the truck is for sale.

 

If the old oil filter gasket was left behind and you put on a new filter,they will absolutely
pour when you start the engine.I've seen it happen.

 

But not supposed to pour water

 

I'd bet on a blown head gasket and/or cracked head. Either way, it's fixable as long as the block is okay. By the time you get done, it MAY be cheaper to drop a good boneyard engine in it.

 

I'm guessing the same. I don't think it's a cracked head, but like you say, it'd almost be cheaper to just find another engine. Unfortunately, I'm broke and it's just going to have to sit until I can figure out what to do. If I can find a mechanic who'll cut me some sort of deal I'll have it fixed. Otherwise, I'm going to have to sell it as it is.

 

soem onf the mod motors with trailer towing package had a oil to water heat exchanger(oil cooler)
check for oil cooler leaking coolant

 

I have a tow package (transmission cooler, power steering cooler, tow hitch), but it doesn't have an oil cooler. At least I don't think it does. The oil filter attaches to the side of the engine horizontally and there aren't any hoses or anything around there. I found a guy a few miles away who's going to tow it to his shop for $60 and have a look at it. He said if it's the head gaskets he'd do it for about $850. I guess that's what I'm going to do. If he finds something else is wrong with it then I'll go from there.

 

I think the block is fine. The engine still runs fine, although that doesn't mean anything. I'll know more once the mechanic tears into it

 

You should call your insurance provider and just ask if you have roadside assistance included in your policy. I didn't know I had it included on mine and several friends family members I told about that checked and had it on their policy's too but didn't even know. Heck I'd ask just to see

 

Wasn't aware that roadside assistance would cover major repairs. Pretty sure I don't have it, but I can look into it

 

No, roadside assistance doesn't cover major repairs - it only covers things like out of gas and lockouts. It will cover a TOW.

 

Meh, for the distance $60 ain't bad. Like I said, pretty sure I don't have it any way.

 

I know it's been a while since I posted about this, but I figured I'd provide an update. The mechanic took some time to get out to me to pick up the truck, but he finally did a couple weeks ago. Removed the cab and stripped the engine. Turns out to be a cracked block. He said all the gaskets were good and could find no other evidence of leaks, so it must be the block. My dad found a replacement engine out of a wreck with 88,000 miles (vs my 132,000) for $550 plus trade on the old engine. My mechanic picked it up Friday and is supposed to start putting it in on Monday. Hopefully before the end of the week I'll have my truck back. Let's just hope this "new" engine holds up. I'll try to keep this thread up to date for anybody interested.

 

Good price for the new engine! Good luck buddy, let us know how it goes.

 

Well, after almost 2 months of being without my truck I'll finally get it back tomorrow. Total cost including the engine is $1650. That also includes a new radiator. I didn't think that was to shabby. Looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of my truck, I can tell you that.