anyone do a 4.6 head gasket?

[eeprete]

anyone out there do head gaskets on a 4.6 and have suggestions or tips? rough idea as to how long this will take start to finish? anything not to overlook and be extra careful with?

thanks.

 

[lynnboy021]

you need help on how to do it?

 

[eeprete]

I am well aware of how to do head gaskets, torque settings, order, replacing bolts, etc, just wanted to see if anyone out there has run into any specific things to look out for and how much time I should allocate. I'v heard 5 hrs, and have heard 13.

 

[lynnboy021]

i can do a head gasket on a chevy 3.0 and 3.1 motors 2 to 3 hrs its just if everything goes your way but the only thing hard is just the timing thats about it

 

[EasyRhino]

Timing chains I think will be the hardest part of this job, but I have not done a 4.6 head gasket job.

That said, I would not go into this job without expecting to at least inspect and or replace the chains, guides, followers, and tensioners, depending on the mileage.

 

[pwrshft99]

Are you certain its a head gasket?? Modular motors tend to hold the stock gaskets pretty well, even under boost.

On most 4.6 mustang, the rear most, bottom head bolts will not come out, they must be loosened then come free with the head. You must also put the bolts back in the head as you install them... just throwing it out there in case you run into it..

 

[JW]

I did a double head gasket replacement on my Expedition, and did a small write-up over on Blue Oval Forums (a little ways down the thread). I have pictures still also.

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forum...-expedition-anyone-have-a-pdf-manual-or-tips/

 

[eeprete]

Thanks guys. JW, that appears it will be especially helpful.

pwrshft99, There is nothing conclusive telling me its a head gasket. I have been using coolant in the vehicle for some time now and it has gotten progressively worse to the point where I now have it parked, although I did drive it today 40 miles and will check it this afternoon to see how much if any was used again.

We've done leakdown tests, compression checks, pressure system checks.

Pressurizing the system shows it holds pressure adequately and no evidence of leaks anywhere.

A vaccuum check through the system shows no loss of vacuum.

Both leakdown and compression checks show a loss of 20% at cylinder 2, however was able to be improved with a trick of the trade of Marvel Mystery oil in the combustion chamber, which may have corrected a stuck ring.

I may do another compression check before we tear it apart and if its still stable, who knows maybe its elsewhere?

I just finally heard from a friend of mine who works at a dealer in the west and he's not so certain its a gasket either. He felt check the gasket at the oil filter housing as sometimes those leak as well.

Outside of this, the Explorer runs excellent, and am still very happy with it.

 

[RickM]

I have been using coolant in the vehicle for some time now and it has gotten progressively worse to the point where I now have it parked,

This is smart. I'm sure you read my story. Have your oil checked for coolant.