2005 4.0 bad head gasket or cracked head

[Mjdtexan]

Ok, so my father was driving the Explorer and it got hot and he brought it home without stopping to put water in it. I found that the thermostat was actually in two pieces so I replaced it. I then noticed that after driving it again a few times that the coolant level would continue to decrease with no obvious leaks but I would sometimes smell coolant. So, I checked the oil and did no see any milky substance. I then looked under the filler cap and did see that is is milky. I decided to change the oil. While draining the oil it did indeed let out a bunch of coolant. So, at minimum its a head gasket but more probably a cracked head in my not very expert opinion.

I have priced two rebuilt heads, head bolts and a head gasket set that includes the intake and exhausts. $1035 before tax. Is there anything else that I need to get? Is there a bunch of special tools that I need to buy or just one or two? Am I correct in believing that it is not advisable to replace only one head?

I have removed and replaced heads on old small block Chevy engines before successfully(sp?), and I think that I can do this if I have the correct guidance. I do have have a repair manual for the vehicle

Late last year the vehicle spit out a bunch of codes at me preventing me from getting an inspection sticker. With help on this site decipherng the codes I was able to make the repairs and get the vehicle inspected.

Any help or advice will be very much appreciated

 

[2000StreetRod]

retime camshafts

Are the heads that you plan to purchase assembled with valves and valve springs and camshafts? What about hydraulic lash adjusters and camshaft followers (roller rocker arms). Normally, the camshaft followers are inserted after the head is installed. It takes a special (expensive) tool to compress the valve springs:

After the heads are completely installed the camshafts will have to be timed. The OTC-6488 tool kit simplifies camshaft timing, increases accuracy and reduces risk:

I doubt that you will be able to rent either of the above tools. Head replacement on the SOHC V6 is much more complicated than on the old OHV engines. I suggest that you PM me your email address so I can send you a copy of the engine assembly instructions to learn about what you'll be getting into. You may decide to just replace the engine with one from a salvage yard.

 

[Mjdtexan]

Are the heads that you plan to purchase assembled with valves and valve springs and camshafts? What about hydraulic lash adjusters and camshaft followers (roller rocker arms). Normally, the camshaft followers are inserted after the head is installed. It takes a special (expensive) tool to compress the valve springs:
View attachment 77123
After the heads are completely installed the camshafts will have to be timed. The OTC-6488 tool kit simplifies camshaft timing, increases accuracy and reduces risk:
View attachment 77124
I doubt that you will be able to rent either of the above tools. Head replacement on the SOHC V6 is much more complicated than on the old OHV engines. I suggest that you PM me your email address so I can send you a copy of the engine assembly instructions to learn about what you'll be getting into. You may decide to just replace the engine with one from a salvage yard.

Yes, these heads come completely assembled according to their website. PM coming your way. I just paid for the elite thing here so that I can escape so of these pesky ads

 

[Mjdtexan]

Well, I will be buying this tool. I have found it on Amazon for $160. i suppose it will be worth it. I imagine there are Houston area forum members around the Houston area that will be needing it from time to time and would be willing to bring over a twelver of Lone Star bottles for its use, que no?

 

[boominXplorer]

These heads don't crack when they get hot, they warp like a banana. Depending on how hot it got you might be able to get the heads milled at a machine shop, install new gaskets and be good to go. It will be best to get the OTC tool to re-time the engine no matter what you do.

 

[Mjdtexan]

These heads don't crack when they get hot, they warp like a banana. Depending on how hot it got you might be able to get the heads milled at a machine shop, install new gaskets and be good to go. It will be best to get the OTC tool to re-time the engine no matter what you do.

boominXplorer, I've already ordered the heads, bolts, and gaskets. I cant really afford for the truck to be down for more than 2 or 3 days and it just seems to me that some rebuilt heads fully assembled will be more in my skill range. I've never replaced heads on an overhead cam engine before. I feel like I can do it with yalls help though. I have done heads on small block Chevys, big block Chevys and even a couple of Pontiacs before. I do have my Hayes manual and 2000StreetRod was kind enough to send even more detailed information along as well. I am gonna post pictures so that yall can laugh at me along the way though:bdrunk:

 

[2000StreetRod]

takes two people

It normally requires two people to replace the heads with the cassettes in place. One person prevents the camshaft chain from falling into the block as the head is raised and lowered. If the chain is tied from above to keep tension on it then someone (or something) has to hold the head after its raised enough to grab the chain from under the head.

 

[Mjdtexan]

It normally requires two people to replace the heads with the cassettes in place. One person prevents the camshaft chain from falling into the block as the head is raised and lowered. If the chain is tied from above to keep tension on it then someone (or something) has to hold the head after its raised enough to grab the chain from under the head.

Thanks for that. I had wondered if it was going to go like that. I can scrounge up a neighbor to help out when I remove the head. I am waiting on them to arrive at the AutoZone in a couple few days.

 

[Mjdtexan]

I was notified today that the heads will be here in the 22nd of this month

 

[Mjdtexan]

I finally got the heads, bolts and new gasket sets in from Autozone yesterday. Waiting on the cam tool now. I will try and get pictures today of the shiny remanufactured heads posted today. Took them a little longer than they thought to get the parts in to me. To complicate matters I may be starting a new job on Monday. I really want to do this job myself but I may have to hire it out if the job interview works out.

 

[Mjdtexan]

Pictures

Here are the pictures of the parts. I thought I only had one job interview for tomorrow but I am being smiled upon and I have two for the morrow. Wish me luck

Pictures
One of the heads

One package of head bolts

Not sure what these are yet. Came in head gasket set

One of the head gaskets

More gaskets

And yet more gaskets

And yet even more gaskets

Left and Right head in their boxes

 

[2000StreetRod]

valve stem seals?

I can't tell how big they are but they might be valve stem seals. Are there 12 of them?

Your photos made me realize that the camshaft oiler tube has been eliminated in the later engine head.

 

[Mjdtexan]

I can't tell how big they are but they might be valve stem seals. Are there 12 of them?

Your photos made me realize that the camshaft oiler tube has been eliminated in the later engine head.

View attachment 77334

I didnt count them when I was out there. These heads are fully assembled, woundnt those already be on the head?

 

[boominXplorer]

I can't tell how big they are but they might be valve stem seals. Are there 12 of them?

Your photos made me realize that the camshaft oiler tube has been eliminated in the later engine head.

Yes 2005+ engines do not have the oil rail.

Those are valve stem steals in the gasket kit, you wont need them.