ERMedic05
New Member
- Joined
- November 27, 2012
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Genoa, Illinois
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 Ford Explorer LTD
Hello Everyone,
I have a 2002 Explorer Limited 4WD V8, 126,000 miles. I am no stranger to doing major mechanical work on my baby, as I have already redone the suspension, A/C system, water pump, coolant system, and some other accessory replacements. I just replaced the intake manifold and valve cover gaskets and had to make a repair to the thermostat housing because of a small coolant leak. Today I noticed that apparently I suck at replacing valve cover gaskets, as I have a small oil leak on the left side cover.
In taking things apart to replace the valve cover gasket again, I noticed that the #7 cylinder ignition coil has coolant on it. Upon looking in the spark plug hole I see fresh coolant about half way up the spark plug body. I am assuming this could only be caused by a bad head gasket. I really can't see any engine oil mixed in with the coolant, which is why I'm kinda stumped.
I can replace the head gaskets myself, as long as I can leave the engine in place. I really don't want to pull the V8 unless I absolutely have to with no other options! But before I go tearing down to the cylinder heads I was hoping for some input from anyone. I'm thinking that it is the head gasket, but maybe someone else has another suggestion that I'm not think of.
Thanks in advance and I'll look forward to some feedback.
PS: I have my trust Haynes manual in my garage, and it has yet to really mislead me or fail me on information, but in this case I better make damn sure it's a head gasket before I tear it apart. My wife doesn't like having to wake up at 5 am to give me rides to work!
I have a 2002 Explorer Limited 4WD V8, 126,000 miles. I am no stranger to doing major mechanical work on my baby, as I have already redone the suspension, A/C system, water pump, coolant system, and some other accessory replacements. I just replaced the intake manifold and valve cover gaskets and had to make a repair to the thermostat housing because of a small coolant leak. Today I noticed that apparently I suck at replacing valve cover gaskets, as I have a small oil leak on the left side cover.
In taking things apart to replace the valve cover gasket again, I noticed that the #7 cylinder ignition coil has coolant on it. Upon looking in the spark plug hole I see fresh coolant about half way up the spark plug body. I am assuming this could only be caused by a bad head gasket. I really can't see any engine oil mixed in with the coolant, which is why I'm kinda stumped.
I can replace the head gaskets myself, as long as I can leave the engine in place. I really don't want to pull the V8 unless I absolutely have to with no other options! But before I go tearing down to the cylinder heads I was hoping for some input from anyone. I'm thinking that it is the head gasket, but maybe someone else has another suggestion that I'm not think of.
Thanks in advance and I'll look forward to some feedback.
PS: I have my trust Haynes manual in my garage, and it has yet to really mislead me or fail me on information, but in this case I better make damn sure it's a head gasket before I tear it apart. My wife doesn't like having to wake up at 5 am to give me rides to work!