I have a 2009 F150 with the 4.6 triton 2 valve, that I purchased new in 2009 it has 98 000 miles on it. The engine has developed an oil leak on passenger side head on the firewall side where the head bolts to block. Was wondering if any other members have had this issue and or probable solutions. Have read there was an issue with this. Some are saying valve job but really at 98,000 miles I dont want to chase money for valve job, prefer remaned engine over valve job. Any suggestions or ideas would be very helpful and thanks in advance.

 

I would start with a UV dye test to see exactly where it is coming from. Then report back.

It could be leaking from the valve covers.

 

Thank you for the info, hopefully its just a valve cover.

 

No problem. I just had to use some UV dye on my tractor to find a stubborn, extremely slow leak. Found it was coming from the axle seal. From just looking at it, the oil appeared all over the place and it looked like I had a busted case seal or something more horrible. But after running the dye, and seeing where it was flowing from, I found it in like 2 seconds and doing an axle seal isn't too bad of a job. No splitting a tractor half, and I can keep running it if need be, which is always a good thing.

When you got toys, you are busy person. lol

 

The oil passages come up through a passage from the block to the heads that is close to the edge of the block. These engines have been known to leak when the head gasket fails there. But, you need to find out exactly where it is coming from first. Perhaps pressure wash that area to clean off the oil and then drive it some.

 

Thank you both very much for the info.

 

did dye test, it is coming from where the head bolts to the block.

 

Head gasket.

 

thank you, was thinking this also. So out with the old in with a new remanufactured 4.6, not chasing good money for that work to be done and still have timing chains, guides and etc...

 

That engine has been known to go 300,000 miles and more. With only 98k on it, a head gasket replacement might be okay. If the engine isn't burning oil and you've maintained it properly, I think that is what I would do. My 2 cents. But, it's your money and truck so don't listen to me! Ha!

 

Oh I listen to advice and appreciate your reply. I am not able to work on it myself due to age and health and I am afraid of when its torn down there will be other issues and the $3500.00 estimate to do the valve job will turn into much more. I sincerely appreciate your and every reply that I have gotten.