Pretty sure my 2002 Ford F150 has the dreaded (apparently fairly common) head gasket issue. Not surprising considering it has nearly 212k on it.

I need some advice.

Do I pay $3000 to get the head gasket fixed? Do I attempt to use a $100 container of head gasket sealant?
$4000 to have a different motor (w/ around 150k) put in?
Or do I pay $5000 to get a different, older truck? I'm guessing I'm not getting more than $1000-1500 trade-in for this guy, so maybe a $7000 truck total.

Also, if it's truly a head gasket issue, shouldn't my anti-freeze level be going down? It's barely lowered since we first discovered the head gasket issue when flushing the radiator 3 weeks ago.

I also added a cheap container of the powdered radiator leak-seal to see if it would work, but it didn't help at all. We discovered this issue about 3 weeks ago when we decided to flush the radiator.

 

What are the symptoms that lead you to believe that a head gasket is bad?

 

Go to advanced auto or auto zone and buy a bottle of Blue Devil head gasket sealer got it on sale for $54 .. It seal up a bad head gasket in my sons intrigue 3.8l like a champ.. Worth a shot.. Follow the directions to a t...

 

"What are the symptoms that lead you to believe that a head gasket is bad?"

There's yellow goop under the oil cap and is starting to show on the dipstick; it's not immediately visible on the dipstick but when I wipe it off it's visible on the towel.

Anything else I should look for?

Thanks!

 

I was considering this because some of the reviews look really good, such as yours! However, some other reviews, even for blue devil (white label I think) are pretty horrifying!

 

There's yellow goop under the oil cap and is starting to show on the dipstick; it's not immediately visible on the dipstick but when I wipe it off it's visible on the towel.

Anything else I should look for?

Thanks!

 

LOL!!! If that's the only thing you've done to determine you have a head gasket leak, I would love to be your mechanic. I'd make a fortune off you.

You need a leak down test and hydrocarbon test.
Milky white oil cap is common in cooler months and not always definitive. Google it.

 

I agree with this. Also check the crank case ventilation hose and PVC to make sure both are flowing properly. Normally any moisture in the crank case will be turned to steam and go thru the Pcv system into the intake.

 

Change your oil and see if you have coolant in it. Is it smoking? Smell like antifreeze out the exhaust? Pull a few plugs and check for antifreeze on the heads.

 

I imagine I'd be pretty easy to trick, but that's why I'm here I suppose; I'm not very mechanically inclined. Will a leakdown and hydrocarbon test cost much at my trusted mechanic's shop?

Thanks!