97blackbeast

So, ive been driving my truck alot lately, today i checked the coolant level and it had a tiny little ring of brown around the outside... And it leaks a little oil on the passenger side, and when ever i get on it i can smell rotten eggs( pretty sure thats a clogged cat tho) so what are your guys opinions? Head gasket or what thanks

97blackbeast

Oh and forgot to add its a 4.6 with 149,xxx on it

'08f150stx

Just a guess.......head gasket.......if it has been happening for some time, pull the plugs and it will tell you what cylinder

97blackbeast

Thanks, any idea how much it would be to replace a head gasket, when i had my tranny rebuilt the transmission mechanic told me it was the head gasket so im pretty sure i need to replace it, i just want some idea how much it will be

'08f150stx

I think a lot of it will depend upon the metals. Aluminum has more of a tendency to warp, cast iron not so much. The combination of the two really sucks. Don't know what engineer came up with the "money saving idea" but to me they were dead wrong. My aluminum engine 4 cylinder was $1500 at an independent mechanic, but your truck will be different of course. And you have to know which side it is. Get a couple of detailed estimates, parts and labor separate and make your determination from there if you diy or not. Can't help you on the price for your truck.

cajunboy2208

Sounds like the head gasket to me.
I have changed them out myself, not difficult at all if you are pretty good with mechanics. I wouldn't say beginner level, but intermediate level for sure.
You can do it yourself, depending on what gasket you use and stuff, for relatively cheap, $150-$200 (hopefully the head isn't warped and needs shaving). If you bring it to a shop, I would guess at least $500. Never asked around for the F150, but that is what they wanted to do it for my civic.

97blackbeast

Thanks yall, took it too ford, the brown **** in the coolant was actually tranny fluid... Had to have the whole radiator replaced but my head gaskets are fine.. o well

Good old Bill

Thanks 97Blackbeast for the update. Its a good lesson for us all to remember. Engine coolant can get contaminated from two sources, auto tranny fluid as in this case and engine oil. Its more common to have coolant contaminating the engines oil thru gasket issues or cracks and thus entering the crankcase but its is possible to have oil pressure leaking into the coolant passages thru the same gasket or crack issue. Bottom line, keep an open mind when diognosing. Thanks again 97Blackbeast.

Tmmyby

If you know how to work a ratchet and can read, do it yourself and use all the ton of savings on one thing you enjoy. I know it's much easier to work on, but a few years ago, with zero engine repair experience I replace the head gasket on my '70 Chevy P/U with nothing more than a socket/ratchet set, a Chilton's manual and a torque wrench on loan from O'reilly's. I did take the 40 year old head to a shop and have it reworked because of its age, but it was super easy and extremely gratifying. The biggest thing to remember is to keep everything in exact order so it goes back in the same hole you pulled it from. Have fun if you do it.

bear1979

Changing a head gasket on a SOCH mod motor is no easy task. Very complex process involving timing chains, gears and very specific torque sequences. Not a DIY kinda job unless you have advanced mechanic skills.