I have a 1979 F-150 Lariat 8 cylinder truck. It leaks a lot of fluids and I am wanting to replace as many of the seals and gaskets as I can. I'm just not sure where to start. I am looking for some suggests from the more knowledgeable people of this forum.

Thanks in advance

 

 

First off where are the leaks? Is it oil or coolant leaking, maybe both? That will help in determining which gaskets and seal are in need of replacement now, and which ones will be changed to get to the ones leaking. If it is just oil maybe your PCV system is plugged (if you ask I'll tell you how I know this) and you just need a few hoses to solve the problem.

 

It seems to be mostly oil as I see it in droplets under the oil pan and on the sides of the engine block. I also smell gas, not fumes, but rich gas.

 

When you pull the dipstick does the oil smell like gas and is it over full?

 

No to both of those questions.

 

Ok, I'll tell you a true story about the PCV system. I bought a used 1978 ford LTD with a 351w was blowing oil out what looked to be every gasket and seal on the engine (got it cheep they thought the motor was blown) drove over to a friend who worked in fords he pulled the PCV valve out of the valve cover with the engine idling and got no vaccuum, we changed the tube to the base of the carb, steam cleaned the motor, and rechecked for leaks, found none. I put another 75000 miles on that engine with no oil problems and only had to replace the timming chain before it was wrecked (got to love black ice on the highway) You might want to check your PCV system and see if it is not pluged, the fuel smell could be the carb flooding at shutdown (bad needle and seat over filling the carb) or a leaking gasket in the carb or a ... When was the last time a kit was put in the carb?

 

I will check the PCV system out. it has been at least several years since anything has been done with carb.

 

If gasket or seal replacement is required, rent an engine hoist and pull the motor. Let engine rest on oil pan with block of wood supporting front of engine and replace valve covers, intake valley gaskets and what not. When going after the rear main seal and pan gasket, insert bolts in block where tranny attaches and tip engine back on bolts and go for it. Those engines are simple to remove, even with AC, just unbolt compressor and swing aside. The 70's were beautiful to work on.

Your first engine removal will take more time, the second removal will take 1 hour, and 2+ to reinstall. Piece of cake.

 

Another thought, if you have an air compressor, turn air down to 3psi and connect to dipstick tube, block off oil fill cap and PCV valve opening. Pressurizing the crankcase like this will force oil out of faulty areas. A spray bottle with soap suds will show bubbles at leaking areas.