Well, here we go....

After visiting this website and stumbling on to this discussion I immediately had a look at my engine buid date (12/98 - Windsor) and sure as S***, there it was (passenger side on connection between exhaust......) I ook it down to the dealer also stating
I had engine pinging (1500 RPMs hot/cold). I rolled in 3 miles short of 30K. I told the "greeter" to have the tech give me a call once diagnosed. He called and agreed that it was the head gasket. He mentioned it was a recognized problem and depending on the extent of the damage, Ford would replace gaskets, heads, etc. but did not mention anything about engine replacement. Upon his inspection the block surface & head surface was not damaged. He gave me new gaskets all around as well as coolant flushing and oil. He mentioned he checked tranny fluid and it looked normal (good for 30K). As far as the ping, he checked codes, fuel pressure, &compression. All were ok. He called hotline and they suggested adjusting PCM octane level. He recommended 30K service (change fuel filter) and run good gas 89 octane. When I picked it up it still pings (not as pronounced). I will be performing service this weekend.

Next day:
Called service manager, got advisor. I mentioned that this seemed like a short term fix to a deap problem. She stated that since I brought it in under warrenty and it goes bad after 3/36, I would have a better chance at having it fixed without paying since have established the history. Then she said something about the dealer beeing Blue level certified??? and being able to deal with complaints on a one-on one basis.

At the end of the day I still have a pinging truck with 30K and a replaced head gasket and the insecurity of "when (not if) will this go bad again". The good thing is we have bought 6 cars/trucks through the dealership in the past 5 years and have a decent relationship with the staff. I believe I can take their word for it, but am not sure where that puts me with Pappa Ford (absolutely no where).

Any ideas


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99 5.4L (12/98 - Windsor) 30K
Amazon Green
Captains Chairs
K&N Air filter
Tow Package

 

if the head gasket is done right i wouldn't worry about it, my truck leaked berfore the first oil change, no signs of leakage yet at over 50,000km later, besides i would rather take my chances with my enigne than with an fqr - i do have piston slap but engine uses no oil and would still keep it over an fqr anyday, a new engine would be nice but that time has long passed

 

I had the oil leak fixed at 23K miles. The only thing they would do was replace the head gasket. Yesterday, I found out it's leaking again at 34K miles. Now I'm debating on getting an extended warranty.

 

When installing my body lift two weeks ago, I also noticed the dreaded oil leak on the passenger side head gasket on my 99 5.4l. The truck has 46k miles on it but the engine was replaced with an FQR for piston slap at 30k. I was pretty disappointed but it isn't leaking enough to even put a drop of oil on my concrete driveway. So in other words even if it was under warranty, it isn't even worth dealing with the ford dealer on getting it fixed. Especially if it is just going to come back in 10-15k miles.

Well I think the only "common problem" that I haven't gotten already on this truck is, knock on wood, the door cracks.

kev

 

Here is some more info for you all--hope it helps.

As I bought my truck used with 11K, it was still under Ford Warranty. At the time of purchase I was offered an extended warranty plan by a company called Universal Underwriters Group.

Since this recent head gasket replacement, I inquired the dealership regarding the ability to purchase the plan. They stated that I can purchase the plan up to the end of the original 3/36K. The plan offers different combos and coverage. A basic powertrain extended warranty (additional 3/36K) is about $1500. I haven't gotten a definitive word on whether or not gaskets are covered, but I believe they are not. This would be a good option if there are any knock-on mechanical effects.

As far as my decision, I would rather spend the $1500 as a down on a new (reliable) vehicle, rather than keeping a leaky pinger that eventually will go bad again

There are some really good end-o-the year sales with great interest rates going on now

Anyone looking for a 99 F150 with 30K??

Hef150