Head leak... water in cylinders.

[Kyle K.]

Hey fellas, got a question for anyone that has had the heads off their engine or had any top end leaks. My truck overheated a while back and started running rough, wet exhaust, stalling, and finally after about 3 cool down run it lightly... cool down... etc. i left it roadside overnite. went back the next day and checked the plugs thinking i had burnt them all to hell found 3 or 4 wet. checked the oil it wasn't high or milky opened the plug at the bottom no water there. For anyone that knows what the top end looks like with the air plenum off and the fuel intake off ... since the thermostat water intake is in the front of the fuel intake manifold could the intake gasket blow or lose it's seal enough to cause those symptoms? I am just trying to figure out if i need to pull the heads and check them for cracks or head gaskets for splits. The fuel air runners are wet from the top to the bottom but i dont know if it was a leak in the intake gasket leaking down or if it was a head gasket or cracked head building up enough to get up the runners, just a note there was water and coolant all the way up the air intake hose, at some point the thermostat got stuck also... anyone that has seen the top end of the four liter motor and knows the deal on this. If it were a 351 or a 318 or 440 I wouldn't have to ask but i haven't worked on the 4.0 until now.. any help would be greatly appreciated.

kyle

 

[WAExplorer]

Haven't had the 4.0 apart yet, but if it were mine..... I'd order a top end gasket set and pull the heads off and see if they are cracked. Just for peace of mind before puting it back together. I've never seen an intake leak enough to get 3 or4 plugs wet. The least of the problems (I think) is you blew the head gaskets. Send the heads in and pray A LOT. Good luck.

------------------
91 Sport
Supperrunner 5.5" lift
33x12.5

 

[mike91]

I am not sure what your problem is, but when I had my lifters replaced (apparent Explorer problem on many of the trucks), I had my heads resurfaced. This, along with the gasket change, will ensure an even bond between the metals. If you find out that the heads are damaged, Vanir Techologies sells them for about $245.00 each I believe, depending on the year.

 

[Kyle K.]

Uh mike what was the cost to have your heads decked? I don't have a lot of engine shops here. Anyway i think you're right if i have this much apart i might as well cover my ass on the cracked head thing. I know i can get a 3 angle valve job for $10 a head so i can get that done while theyre out. wonder what the price on headers is... since theyre such a pain to remove, i haven't yet freed one head bolt, still soaking in penetrating and wd40.... will be a chore, anyway thanx for your info and any other info to be dispersed hereafter.

kyle

 

[mike91]

Depending on where you live, these might help - you can send them via mail if not.
FAST TIMES MOTORWORKS - Morton Grove, IL (847) 966-3278
VALLEY HEAD SERVICE - Northridge, CA (818) 993-7000
SOUTHERN PERFORMANCE - South Haven, MS (601) 393-0728
Services range from rebuild to performance work. I read about these companies from Car Craft magazine - my mechanic at the time took care of my heads at a local shop. All of their 3 angle valve jobs seem higher than your quote - make sure if you take it to your place, that they do a good job b/c these places say its from 80 - 125 (competition) for the job. They also inspect heads and just about everything else.

 

[Andy]

My guess is that it's the head gasket. I had nearly the same problem about two weeks ago. I checked everything I could think of, took it to a couple of different people, one of whom works at a Ford dealership, and they all thought it was the head gasket. It's been replaced, the head were machined and the valve guides replaced - she runs better than ever. I don't know why water doesn't run all the way down, not all of the symptoms are there. On mine though, I did notice that the O2 sensors were covered in anti-freeze.

92 XLT