Old F150 with Blow By

[CharlieTR]

I have an old F150 I bought about 4 years ago. The truck is very basic and no AC, engine is 4.9L in-line 6 cyl. I have replaced everything in the engine compartment but the engine when I got it just to make it run right. It always leaked oil bad and at some point I must not have checked the oil level and drove it too far. Now there is a light brown foam and condensation on the dipstick. Is this always caused by a broken ring? Can this be caused by a busted head gasket or something easy I can fix? Are there engine rebuilding books that a non-mechanic can follow to rebuild an engine?

Thanks

 

[Egon]

It would sound like water in the oil. If that is the case you will have to look a little farther. Maybe just a head gasket. It would also sound as though the main seals may be leaking.
How important is the truck to you and how much do you want to spend?

 

[CharlieTR]

Can't seem to decide on how important that darn truck is.
It's too small to tow anything, no AC in Texas, doesn't run fast. I think I just like working on it more than having it/using it. I did forget to mention that before I saw the foam, there was a lot of oil in the air cleaner. The engine store want almost $800 plus core charge for rebuilt motor (I install). I really need to spend less than that.

 

[JerryG]

Can't seem to decide on how important that darn truck is.
It's too small to tow anything, no AC in Texas, doesn't run fast. I think I just like working on it more than having it/using it. I did forget to mention that before I saw the foam, there was a lot of oil in the air cleaner. The engine store want almost $800 plus core charge for rebuilt motor (I install). I really need to spend less than that.

Charlie,
You might be better of if you could find a low mileage engine at a salvage yard.

 

[George2615]

Don't know what used engines sell for there. Around where I live you'd be lucky to find a used 4.9 for $600. I'd save up or borrow the balance to get the $800. rebuilt. It will have a warranty longer than a used one.

Replacing the head gasket may be the cheapest way out but that won't stop your oil leak. Does it leak or burn the oil? External leaks can be fixed by replacing the gaskets. If it burns oil it could be worn out piston rings or in the valve train. Most auto parts stores have engine rebuild books but I doubt you can do a complete rebuild for under $800.

 

[Birdhunter1]

You say you've replaced almost everything under the hood so I assume you've replace the PCV valve? If not I'd try that, a non-functioning PCV valve can make a 300 seem like it's coming apart inside and seems like alot of blowby when in actually it just builds pressure inside, causes leaks and blows oil into the air cleaner through the crankcase breather tube.
I'd start there, to check it pull it out and place your finger on teh littler button on the valve (engine running), if it suck on your finger it is good.

 

[MrJimi]

I had one of those with every seal leaking, I replaced the lifter access gaskets and snugged all the other bolts and it went from a serious leaker to NO leaks at all and your moisture could be caused from no thermostat and short trips. The engine don't get hot enough to evaporate the condensation and the PVC valve will do just what Birdhunter1 said.
Try those tips, change oil, filter and PVC valve and see what it does for you
Jim

 

[EddieWalker]

What is the compression in the cylinders? I'd start there before I did anything else.

The list of problems and what could be wrong is almost endless. Just speculating on an easy fix wont' help any. Especially with the foamy oil.

What does the water look like in the radiator?

Does it have any power to it?

What do the spark plugs look like?

An $800 new engine is pretty cheap, but there are still other expenses that will make it more than that. Fluids, plugs and a clutch if it has one, just to name a few.

The question is wether that's cheaper than buying another vehicle, or if you need this one?

Eddie