Hey all, I need some help. I have 211,000 on my 98 5.4L. I have cylinder #3 at 50 psi. Looks like I lost the exhaust valve. I bought the truck new and have never missed any maintenance. It is my work truck and looks great as it has always been garaged. It is a 4x4 lariat with every option available that year.
My question, can i get away with pulling one head and not both? Funds are tight right now and I really do not want to buy a new truck or pop for a new motor.

Any help is appreciated,


Mark

 

Your in a bad situation with that question with 211,000 on it I would be looking for another engine that's just my opinion

 

Before you do anything, you must pull the head and look at the valves.
Yes, you can do just one head. I have done it and it worked fine for me. If you have one warped head and the other is fine, you don't replace both do you?
With the high mileage you have, I would keep repairs as cheap as possible to keep the truck running.
Suggestion- I had burned valves in a sports car and I just bought a head rebuilt with the valves etc. ready to install on the engine. I bolted it on with a new gasket, and it is still running around my town 10 years later driven by the guy I sold it to.
IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!
Now if you plan to go across the US on some off road race in the desert, that's a different story.