Got the 100K miles blues, F-150
As some of you remember, I recently did the plug job on my F-150 and was very sucessful in it's outcome. After getting the coolant and fuel filter changed, and a new fuel pump control module installed...
Forum Discussion
Been through most of the listed problems on numerous headers in many of
my old vehicles and buddies vehicles...
First, you HAVE to have it done soon...as the very hot exhaust gases
running out of that leak WILL erode the metal. If the leak is on the
exhaust side...not so bad...but...if on the head side...might have to
remove the head and have it machined ('one' of worse cases)
You have enough miles on it to potentially have some of the studs or bolts
rusted and not come out.
If you break one, either easy out or remove the head for a trip to
the machine shop
Not trying to scare or be negative, but discussion with all potential
scenario's I can think of trying to help you make up your mind on how
to proceed
I've used double gaskets and only one lasted (not my vehicle, but
buddies) to fix one that had metal eroded by the gases
I'm not familiar with Fords, so just generic thoughts. Maybe visit
dome Ford boy racer sites
Easiest first...some times get lucky and it is just a loose nut/bolt
Get some high temp anti-seize and use it liberally
Most exhaust gaskets have metal layers and when you scrap off the old
gasket...be careful to not gouge the head or exhaust flange
The manifold will have doughnuts to the exhaust pipes (assume yours
do have them...check that out) and have new ones ready...in case
Make sure it is the gasket...cracked exhaust manifolds also behave
like this...some times
This is where I advise to buy OEM hardware. Have gone to grade 8 way
back in the day and they didn't make any difference. The heat will
de-temper them to become mud hen fasteners
For this kind of work, I had two 2x10 planks laid over the two fenders
(cushioned with foam/duct tape) and lay over the engine bay. Saves
my bad back
Consider removing the wheel well shield. Just a bunch of small sheetmetal
screws. Along with taking the wheel off...amazing how much room and
direct access that provides...sometimes...
Good luck!
my old vehicles and buddies vehicles...
First, you HAVE to have it done soon...as the very hot exhaust gases
running out of that leak WILL erode the metal. If the leak is on the
exhaust side...not so bad...but...if on the head side...might have to
remove the head and have it machined ('one' of worse cases)
You have enough miles on it to potentially have some of the studs or bolts
rusted and not come out.
If you break one, either easy out or remove the head for a trip to
the machine shop
Not trying to scare or be negative, but discussion with all potential
scenario's I can think of trying to help you make up your mind on how
to proceed
I've used double gaskets and only one lasted (not my vehicle, but
buddies) to fix one that had metal eroded by the gases
I'm not familiar with Fords, so just generic thoughts. Maybe visit
dome Ford boy racer sites
Easiest first...some times get lucky and it is just a loose nut/bolt
Get some high temp anti-seize and use it liberally
Most exhaust gaskets have metal layers and when you scrap off the old
gasket...be careful to not gouge the head or exhaust flange
The manifold will have doughnuts to the exhaust pipes (assume yours
do have them...check that out) and have new ones ready...in case
Make sure it is the gasket...cracked exhaust manifolds also behave
like this...some times
This is where I advise to buy OEM hardware. Have gone to grade 8 way
back in the day and they didn't make any difference. The heat will
de-temper them to become mud hen fasteners
For this kind of work, I had two 2x10 planks laid over the two fenders
(cushioned with foam/duct tape) and lay over the engine bay. Saves
my bad back
Consider removing the wheel well shield. Just a bunch of small sheetmetal
screws. Along with taking the wheel off...amazing how much room and
direct access that provides...sometimes...
Good luck!
