HEAD GASKET BLOWN????????????

[cyber-bill]

I OWN A 1990 FORD EXPLORER WITH A 4.0 V 6 THAT HAS 54,000 ORIGINAL MILES. THE TRUCK RUNS PERFECT AT IDLE AND AT HIGH SPEED. jUST HAD OIL CHANGED AND MECHANIC TOLD ME THE TRUCK NEEDS HEAD GASKET BECAUSE HE SPOTTED SOME MILKY OIL UNDER THE FILL CAP. THERE IS NO SIGN OF WATER IN THE CRANK CASE AND NO SIGN OF A DROP IN ANTI FREEZE. HOW CAN YOU TELL IF THERE IS REALLY A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM.
BILL

 

[heyttown]

Re: HEAD GASKET BLOWN????????????

I get a milky film under my fill cap on the durango....I have ever since day 1.....

I would get a 2nd opinion.

 

[dolluper]

Re: HEAD GASKET BLOWN????????????

Pull the plugs out and do a compression check,most gaskets go between adjacent cylinders,like #1=150lbs,# 3=110lbs,#5 =100lbs and #7 =150lbs this example head gasket broken between #3 and #5 for a V8
If it were blown your antifreeze level would be going down you would have to add quite often,might even appear out the exhaust white smoke long after warm up
To be sure do the compression check you will sleep better

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: HEAD GASKET BLOWN????????????

[colour=blue] Hi Bill, welcome to iboats!!!

That's not uncommon for a perfectly healthy engine - it's called condensation.

Head gasket leaks present with numerous symptoms - coolant loss, overheating, mis-firing (water on plugs, loss of compression), milky oil (sump oil, not just under cap).

An accurate test is a hydrocarbon test of the radiator. If coolant is entering the combustion chamber, combustion is entering the cooling system (usually).

Just to be on the safe side, a second opinion is a good idea.

 

[DJ]

Re: HEAD GASKET BLOWN????????????

I second what Dunaruna said.

Also, a clogged PCV system can add to the concern.

If you have not changed your coolant, you're overdue.

 

[Bondo]

Re: HEAD GASKET BLOWN????????????

Ayuh,........ I think your Mechanic is Fishing,............ In your Wallet.......

What you describe is Classic Condensation.......
It's especially common in vechicles that Aren't run Hard,....
When the motor is brought up to Temp,.. For along time, at a time,......
It'll Evaporate........ No More Problem........


Btw,.......... Loose the Cap-Lock,........ It'sd Rude,+ Hard to Read.......

 

[cyber-bill]

Re: HEAD GASKET BLOWN????????????

Thanks for the replies fellows,
The oil was changed yesterday and the truck driven today. The oil looks normal, there is no coolent loss,no overheating, and the engine runs perfect , and when I took off the filler cap no milky oil showing.Aparently the mechanic just saw some milky color on the underside of the cap and that was all. If my memory serves me correct I have seen this milky color under the cap on some of the other vehicles I have owned in the past. As Dunaruna said it is probably just condensation .
Bill

 

[xtraham]

Re: HEAD GASKET BLOWN????????????

fords do that....probaly a quick oil change place