Replacing exhaust manifold gaskets, F150, shop recommendations

[cidley69]

Both sides need to be replaced on 2008 F150, 5.4L.

Got a quote from one shop for $2100. Said the bolts are seized into heads, and would have to pull engine to get access to drill out broken bolts.

Has anyone had similar job done?

Maybe a shop that does more of these wouldn't have to pull motor?

[ExtraSlow]

How badly do they need to be replaced? If it's just an exhaust tick, consider just not repairing.

Its a bitch if a job according to anyone I've asked.

[cidley69]

They've leaked for years, but the fumes in cab are getting unbearable. In winter can't keep windows open for fresh air, needs to be fixed. I've heard it's a shitty job too, but at least hoping to find somewhere that's maybe good at that particular job.

[ExtraSlow]

I have no further guidance. Good luck.

[revelations]

I dont know if this applies to that MY, but in my 01 6.8L V10, when the studs rust/break one could tack weld on a bolt to the broken piece and try again (without engine removal).


https://www.f150forum.com/f4/broken-...324038/index2/

(apparently welding nuts is ok - also the engine does NOT have to come out all the way, but will need to be supported underneath - ie. its a big job)

If you need a backyard guy, or a guy who works out of his shop - FB group calgary cash jobs is the place to sign up. They have people who specialize in these trucks no doubt.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/649620318526015

Also 24-48 hours of penetrant soaking can make a huge difference in many cases.

[ThePenIsMightier]

OmG that Ford 5.4... Isn't that the same one that seizes its spark plugs in and then breaks the electrode off into the cylinder?

I'd follow some of Revelations advice. Do not attempt this yourself unless you have about two weeks to screw around with it.

[cidley69]

Yep that's the same jewel with the amazing spark plug design.

I'm not even considering it myself, not sure if it's a job for backyard guy, unless they'd done em before.

[ThePenIsMightier]

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Yep that's the same jewel with the amazing spark plug design.

I'm not even considering it myself, not sure if it's a job for backyard guy, unless they'd done em before.

Ok, good. I'd trust someone who has done 3+ without pulling the engine. They'll have faced and conquered enough of the issues.

[Rat Fink]

.

[cidley69]

Hey Rat fink, you sound very knowledgeable on this, like you've done this a time or two.

Interested in taking on job?

Can you recommend any shops you'd trust doing this?

[jabjab]

I have a co worker that has the exact same problem. One shop turned him away and said its too much of pita to do.

[revelations]

Its probably a price difference of say, 1600$ vs the quoted 2100$ - id almost want the engine out as there might be something else they come across as well. You can see so much more.

Prob less risky for the shop too.

I'd go for 2100$ if you want to keep the truck and have invested other $$$$ into it already.

[ThePenIsMightier]

My contact says the Chevy equivalents of these work great, but has not tried one on Ford.
https://www.kralautoparts.com/produc...kap5-4-single/

[ShermanEF9]

You can try different shops. Reality is it costs a lot because no one wants to do it. its usually a nightmare to do, and they don't wanna get hosed on the job.

[cancer man]

I'll do it but I'm semi-retired you'll have to leave the truck for a week. lots of soaking and massaging.

[zechs]

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Both sides need to be replaced on 2008 F150, 5.4L.

Got a quote from one shop for $2100. Said the bolts are seized into heads, and would have to pull engine to get access to drill out broken bolts.

Has anyone had similar job done?

Maybe a shop that does more of these wouldn't have to pull motor?

How many KM are on the truck? Honestly, to me it sounds like it may be worth selling to someone that is willing to do the work themselves. The truck is likely worth less than $10k on the private market, sinking $2100 into it seems to be bad value.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Put those stupid clamps on that I mentioned and enjoy a couple more years without issues.

[mr2mike]

Issue here is that the gasket has leaked for years and you drove with it. Likely the studs are busted or very close to breaking with the heat cycles it's endured.
The shop is banking they break so this is why the high motor out quote.

Instead of drilling it out, I believe the head is aluminum, you could weld a nut onto the top of the broken stud if done carefully and turn it out.
I'm not saying that makes it easier. Still a big PITA any way you look at it. I know the work load on doing this job and $2100 isn't unreasonable.

[cidley69]

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How many KM are on the truck? Honestly, to me it sounds like it may be worth selling to someone that is willing to do the work themselves. The truck is likely worth less than $10k on the private market, sinking $2100 into it seems to be bad value.

Truck is Lariat with 205,000km.

I thought this also, but couple issues:
-who wants to buy a truck that stinks unbearably like exhaust in the cab? Ok in summer when you can open windows, but really sucks in winter.
-if the truck is worth $5K as is, plus $2K to fix. Can I buy a better truck for $7K?
-my current finances and lack of job security preclude me taking on monthly payment for a newer truck

Big thanks to Revelations for his FB Cash Jobs site tip. Found a guy on there, says he has done many of these, isn't concerned about broken studs, as he heats stud red hot with torch prior to removal, has good success rate not breaking them. If they break he welds new nut on. Price quoted is $800/side, all in, counting broken stud removal, and OEM manifold kits (studs, gasket, manifold).

[cidley69]

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Put those stupid clamps on that I mentioned and enjoy a couple more years without issues.

I think gasket is gone also, aside from a couple broken studs. If it needs to come apart to put in new gasket, may as well fix it better than clamps.