Anyone Have Any 4.0 Head Gasket Tips?

[rvm3624]

My 97 Sport 4.0 OHV w/115,000 miles is now burning antifreeze. There is absolutely no leak, and I can smell the antifreeze when it's running. It started running really rough a week ago. I pulled #4 plug first (Front Drivers Side) and it was really crapped up, with some of the plug base eroded away. It also had some rust on the threads and smells like antifreeze.
OK, so the head gasket is leaking, right..... I've gone ahead and purchased the head gaskets, lower intake gasket, upper gasket, fuel rail gasket, valve cover gaskets and bolt set.
After reading the Haynes book lots of times, does anyone have any advice for the fairly competent do-it-yourselfer, such as "watch out for......, an easier way is....etc..."
I'd greatly appreciate anyones input!!!

 

[checkedout]

I had the same problem with my 96 but I had ford do the work. I took mine to three different shops and showed them the green plug from #4. They all said the same thing, they have seen it before and go in to the job thinking head gasket but everytime it has been a cracked head. So be ready. Sorry.

 

[rvm3624]

GREAT!!!

I was told by a Ford Mechanic that it's possible, and to thoroughly check the heads. He did ask if I'm getting bubbles coming up through my coolant reservior. Apparently, the exhaust can bubble up through the radiator?? Hopefully they'll be OK.....

 

[bandit_45]

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