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2003 Expedition head gasket leak

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Diesel vs Steam

A Real Heavy Duty Engine

I asked the owner of a local shop what he would charge to change an Expedition engine. He said a Jasper engine installed would be just under $5500. He doesn't quite average one "transplant" a month and just finished a Lexus. He has built 3000 transmissions since he has been in business. Mark
'
 
Soooooo....the Expedition's CEL was flashing. Took it to a different shop. One of the coil overs was toast. Had them replace all 8, plus plugs. Also asked their opinion on where the leak was coming from. They couldn't tell so they cleaned the engine and all other spots that had oil on them. Then put dye in the oil. We drove it for about 100 miles and they black lighted it. Turns out it's the valve cover gasket. Much better! Proof that a second opinion can be a good thing.
 
Soooooo....the Expedition's CEL was flashing. Took it to a different shop. One of the coil overs was toast. Had them replace all 8, plus plugs. ..... We drove it for about 100 miles and they black lighted it.

So, you were able to drive it after they did the plugs? You just passed on the good side of a fork in the road on that engine. The plugs came out and left the threads in the head! Usually the threads come out with the plugs! Sounds like all good news to me!
 
I can't exactly remember Fords solution for changing spark plugs, but it goes something like this: Pour an ounce or so of a concoction (PB Blaster, Trans fluid?) into the threads of each spark plug, get the engine hot, say a hail mary and proceed with caution. If one is stripped they have a repair process with the vehicle in the engine.
 
Yep, all threads still in the engine! They were aware of the issue of not only stripped threads but also snapped spark plugs. No problems, at least not that I had to pay for.
 
Ugh. So, once all the other stuff was removed to get the valve cover off, it was apparent it IS the head gasket. There is so much stuff on this engine, plus it's shoved up under the firewall a la Cummins in a 3G, you can't see anything! Two mechanics said if it was their's and they could fix it for just the cost of the gasket, they wouldn't do it. Just keep an eye on the oil level and add as necessary. So be it.
 
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