Block Casting/head gasket/cylinder head issues?

[Speedin Bob]

Gang,

After noticing a small oil spot on the floor of the Batcave and investigating the source of said leak, it appeared as if the rear main seal has gone south. Nice.

Oh joy, off to the dealer. NOTE: Aforementioned "Cooter and Gomer Ford" are a thing of the past (you old timers will know what I'm taking about). "Dealer X" is now in the picture and has custody of my truck, mods and all.

Initial diagnosis is the passenger side head gasket blew however there was NO, REPEAT, NO coolant in the oil. whew.

In reading the Engines forum over on F150Online, this seems to be a commonplace with the 5.4 however there hasn't been much mention of it here. Some non-S/C 5.4's have eventually had their engines replaced due to a "bad casting" on the block/heads.

The truck has 6800 miles presently and the current fix is to replace the head gaskets however they are on "D99" which I assume by the Service Manager's voice tone and facial expression this is some sort of ultra-double-secret probation backorder status.

Has anyone else had this issue with their Lightning and, if so, what was the ultimate resolution. Please feel free to email me if you would rather not post it publicly.

Respectfully,

(edited for spelling error)

 

[Baby Jake]

That's a new one on me Speedy! I hope everthing works out for you! Keep us posted.

P.S. If ANYONE deserves to be on double-secret probation....oooops....nevermind!

Jake...

 

[SVT375]

i remeber cooter and gomer that was funny (not your circumstances)

 

[BOSTONL]

Just had mine done two weeks ago. Had a small oil leak onto exhaust manifold, not enough to notice on dip stick. Was hoping it was a valve/cam cover gasket. Tried probing the dealer for a replacement motor but he wouldn't bite! Am now examining the truck for any signs of leakage after every drive, so far nothing. BTW, was done in a day, got a loaner car while it was in.

 

[Speedin Bob]

Thanks for the replies guys. Dealer X has the vehicle and is sourcing the head gaskets. Have a Ranger loaner, or is it loaner Ranger.. These things are DANGEROUS in the snow.

svt,

The sad part is that the C&G rants were all as they occurred...(with names changed to protect their stupidity and add humor to a frustrating situation)

Bob

 

[Speedin Bob]

simple remedy in comparison

Gang,

Just finished conversing with Dealer X's Service Manager. Good News!!! The leak was neither from the head(s) nor the rear main seal.

They put dye in the oil, started it, let it run for a while, then went in with a black light.

Diagnosis:

The leak was coming from the OIL PAN gasket as it had a split in it upon post removal inspection.

Solution:

slightly lift the engine, drop the pan, and replace said gasket...

{breathing a BIG sigh of relief}


Get to pick it up tomorrow evening and will continue to keep an eye out for 'markings'...or something.

Bob

 

[olefafl]

Thanks for the replies guys. Dealer X has the vehicle and is sourcing the head gaskets. Have a Ranger loaner, or is it loaner Ranger.. These things are DANGEROUS in the snow.


Bob

Whats wrong Bob, can't handle the power??

Glad the truck is OK. :tu:

OT: Could you come by my work sometime with your old shackles? I am about ready for them. Or I can meet you sometime.

Thanks

 

[Speedin Bob]

ole,

Iced bridge (unbeknownst to me) at 70 mph made for a VERY interesting lane change. no damage though.. hehe

Shackles are ready. shoot me an email with your hours and I'll swing by.

 

[olefafl]

I had fun with ice UNDER a bridge. But no lane change. Just me getting closer to the brake lights in front of me.

I will send the email now.

 

[Gitchi Manitou]

Iced bridge (unbeknownst to me) at 70 mph made for a VERY interesting lane change. no damage though.. hehe

"Bridge Freezes Before Road Surface" Common signs here in the great white north.

 

[NLOC]

I agree with the bridge freezes first, having lived in the wonderfully cold Minnesota for 25 years Then we moved DOWN to the "lower midwest", and immediately noted that the drivers here are ALMOST clueless in ice and snow
We should also remember that SB lives even LOWER in the midwest....so where does that leave us...SB is from the LOWER LOWER midwest and is therefore _____ (fill in the blank...and yes this is a test) about driving in cold weather:Y
Since SB was the winner of the combined fall Olympics at Indy, I assume that he was just training on the icy bridge

Sorry for the digs and gouges Bob, but just too easy to pass up :tu:

Cheers, and keep em between the ditches:b

...Dwight...;t

 

[Speedin Bob]

So how be the roads up nort' ay? :h

Dearest ;tRefreshment;t Guru "D",

Temp was just above freezing and the roads were slush. Lesson learned.

In retrospect, I admit to driving a bit fast for the conditions.... Bad habit and hence the screenname. :w ;t

A majority of LOWER LOWER midwesterners do tend to phreak at the slightest change in road conditions. It is quite humorous actually. :Y However, any adventure in inclement conditions is considered training yet I'll pass on leaving post-Olympic 'Silver metal' remenance on roadways, bridges, other vehicles, et. al..


Bob :w :tu:

 

[reality1]

SpeedingBob,

Just don't take the Lightning out on the Dirt Tracks!

Jim