knocking and sputtering (head gasket) help

[pshaxe]

alright so my problem is that i think my head gasket is shot
my oil is milky and theres white smoke comin out the tailpipe
also whenever i give it gas, it seems to sputter like its about to stall but doesnt and goes,
and theres a knocking noise.
could the head gasket be causing this
i kinda need to know, i dont wont to have to have it towed to a mechanic
when its something i can do myself
thanks

 

[35Remmy]

What vehicle/engine? Your head gasket is shot or your head is cracked or both. Do NOT drive the vehicle until it's fixed. That's a sure way to damage the motor.

 

[redneckex]

deff dont drive it if your oil is milky, that is a deff way to make more damage than what you already have. you could spend a weekend and change the headgasket and oil if you know what your doing with the head gasket. otherwise just take it to garage or havea buddy help.

 

[pshaxe]

its a 4.0
and i was readin up on it a little and think that it might be a bent rod
so ima just take it in tomarow and have them look at it
any ideal how much it would cost to change a rod?
or is it cheaper to just do it myself?

 

[35Remmy]

PSH...how loud is this knock? A bent rod wouldn't cause a head gasket failure or a cracked head which almost certainly sounds like you have. Are you talking push rod (which rides between the rocker arm on top which is bolted to the top of the head, and the lifter) or a connecting rod?

 

[pshaxe]

i meant push rod sorry
so should i just replace the head gasket and go from there?

 

[35Remmy]

PSH a replacement push rod costs about 6 bucks...they're cheap. Rocker arm assembly that holds the rocker arms (3 bolts attach it to the top of the head) and the push rods have to be removed anyway to replace the head gasket. What side of the engine (drivers or passengers) do you believe is bad?

 

[pshaxe]

i believe its the drivers side,
when i took it to autozone they said i had a cylinder 6 misfire
so should i just go ahead and change out the head gasket and check everything while im in there?

 

[35Remmy]

PSH...do you believe you can do the job yourself? I work slow and steady, and when I get too tired I stop. I could do it in a day but I took a weekend.

Yes, I'd pull the driver's side first. #6 cylinder is on that side. You may be pulling coolant into that cylinder and getting a misfire. What does the spark plug look like?

In any case, you'll need a new head gasket. Get the head checked for cracks!!! You also need:

T-45 (I THINK) torx bit for the head bolts.
Foot pound torque wrench
Inch pound torque wrench
Fel-Pro head gasket (the "improved" version...they'll ask you) 30$ a piece
Fel-Pro lower intake gasket set...includes lower/upper intake manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, etc. 100$
NEW head bolt set...this is a MUST...40$
Coolant (you'll have to drain it out). 10$ May as well change thermostat/thermostat gasket because the thermostat housing must be removed. 15$
Oil/filter
Lots of shop towels
Masking tape for labeling
Zip-lock bags for parts/labeling (MOST important!!!)
There are torx studs that the upper intake manifold sits on and these must be removed to change the gasket in between the fuel rail and the lower intake manifold...you'll see...it's the only way to remove the fuel injectors, although you don't HAVE to if this gasket looks OK. In any case, you SHOULD use an internal torx to remove these studs, but a small (can't remember size) socket worked for me.

Take your time and follow the torque patterns for the head/lower intake manifold. They're done in steps.

 

[35Remmy]

Just checking...this is the 4.0 OHV, right? What year/vehicle?

 

[pshaxe]

yea my dad is VERY good with this kind of stuff,
and im goin to be takin it over to his house to do it
also thanks for the information
i really appreciate it
ill keep you updated on the progress tomarow
and idk bout the engine though
i thought it was a SOHC
but its a 97' sport

 

[pshaxe]

alright so i got it ready for the gasket to be put in
just got to wait for them to get in, had to order them
but could the head gasket goin out cause the knockin sound
and once i put the new gaskets on will it go away?
or could i have spun a rod bearing?