my dad has a 97 f150 with 5.4l. it has 210k on it. to this day, the truck has been awesome, however, last week he blew a spark plug out. (common problem I've heard). he fixed it by putting in a new thread insert. now that he fixed that, the engine started running really bad, and the check engine light was flashing, so he brought it to a mechanic, and it turns out the number 8 cylinder has 0 compression. mechanic thinks it needs a valve job. he quoted mt dad $2000 to fix it. i know i can have the machining done for less than $100 if i can successfully remove and install the head. i have done this kind of repair numerous times on the old mopar pushrod engines, but i have never tackled a sohc engine. what are your thoughts? and tips? is it worth the effort on this old truck?

 

Cylinder head removal involves taking off the front cover and the intake manifold. May I suggest running down to a local parts store that sells the shop manuals and looking up the details of the procedure and decide if you can do it yourself. The manual will also list any special tools that you may require. Some of the part stores also lend tools. If it were me I would pull the head myself but I do all of my own work.


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Well, that's a tough call.....maintenance access with the engine in the truck is very difficult....I know; I have a 97 4.6L.

I would not attempt to replace a head with the engine in the truck. Pulling the engine is a tough job, but reworking the engine will be much easier and less can go wrong when the engine is on a stand where open access is available.