Head gasket replacement

[72bumbee]

Hello again all! I just got my 72-250 back from the tranny shop and I am pleased! Actually got to drive my new rig to the gas station and then to the brake shop! Anyway, there is no longer a huge puddle of transmission fluid under the truck, but a smaller puddle of oil. It is coming from the drivers side or "left" head gasket at the rear of the engine. Considering I am out of money and going to be laid off for awhile, I thought I might tackle this myself if I am mechanically able! I figured I might get a little help from my friends also, considering they will be laid off too. HAHA! My first question is: What are the tools I will need? Are there any "special" tools I may need? Should I consider doing both gaskets? Will I do this gasket and like an old rotted pipe, will new leaks start to pop out everywhere else? One guy told me the secret to the job, would be to make sure all the old gasket is cleaned REALLY good off of the surface before putting the new one on. Another fellow told me that tourqing (sp) in a certain sequence would make it successful. I am listening closely to anyone and everyone who wants to guide me. The motor is a 360 c.i. I haven't bought any parts or tools yet as I may be able to borrow tools and talk a buddy of mine into getting the parts for me. This truck is no showroom model, just an old work truck that I want to take care of and keep mechanically sound. How would it do if I just said to heck with it and just dump oil in every so often? There is no water in my oil or vice versa, just leaking oil to the tune of say a peice of bread after running. I value all the great opinions here, and look foreward to all the great ideas you all have.
As always, THANKS AGAIN!
Steve

[hotrod ford]

check to see if your head bolts have the proper torque. maybe the are backed off a bit.

[72bumbee]

I will check that as soon as it is out of the brake shop. thanks!
Steve

[1970FordTK]

You really need to double check where the oil is really comeing from. The valve cover gaskets are pron to leaking as is the gasket that seals between the rear of the motor to the intake between the heads at the back. One of the few times I use a mechanics mirror to look at a spot is back there. There are lots of threads on that gasket for the intake deal on here. I'm sure some of the more veteran trouble shooters will chime in on this. I put my worth on this cause its better to take time and find out where the victum is bleeding from before putting money to it. Like I said just my worth.

[george worley]

Sounds like a valve cover or intake manifold leak more than a head gasket problem. Head gaskets usually cause a water leak inthe clyinder or a compression problem. I had a manifold gasket blow out at the back of the manifold and every time I stopped I got a puddle of oil under the truck. The FE engines are known for leaks at these areas. Also the engines in the trucks are tipped to the back so everything runs down there.

[Bullitt390]

You'll more than likely have a coolant leak at the rear of the head gasket rather than oil.

Like the others have said. Valve cover gasket leaking is the leading cause. #2 is the rear of the intake, especially after just installing the darn thing.

That is assuming it's an external oil leak. If not you have a rear main or cam plug leaking.

Josh

[72bumbee]

Just had the rear main seal checked by the garage, they said it isn't leaking there. I looked at the valve cover gaskets a bit closer, and could believe they may be leaking a bit. does anyone suggest a certain material for replacement of these? (i.e. cork rubber cardboard) Also, I am having a difficult time visualizing that other spot mentioned. (the truck is in the brake shop now) The intake? is that what the carb is mounted on? I am assuming the rear of this could be a prob? All I know for sure is that the oil is coming from the back of the motor.
I am going through parts catalogs trying to see this stuff, but having the truck here would make it easier for me.
Thanks again
Steve

[fordman]

i would make sure of where the leak is coming from first. it could be an upper valve cover leak just draining down to where you can see it fromt he side. it could also be coming from the rear of the intake and dripping down also. my guess is the rear of the intake. that is one of the most famous unseen spots. the valve cover is probably the most noticeable and most common other than the intake.

[72bumbee]

I stood above and watched oil dripping down and hitting the exhaust pipe before continuing to the ground today. I ran out and bought a little mechanics mirror. Need to get the tune up done and a fresh quart of oil in it and take it out on the road again. Seems that being able to see it drip, is excessive. but still the dipstick shows half a quart low. This is the type of stuff I always went through with the 67 I used to own. I just don't drive them daily. They like being on the road!