Newbie question

[Anddrewz105da]

I went and checked out a 99 expedition Eddie Bauer with the 5.4 saw a bit of oil by the starter and exhaust he told me it was probably a valve cover gasket and he would fix it before I took delivery . I got home and researched it more and see its common for the right rear or the head to leak . It's got 120,00 on the dash and is in amazing shape .how common is it for the valve covers to leak? Or should I just walk away from it only left a 100 deposit..

 

[stamp11127]

It is common leak, but the head gasket has also been known to leak oil. Roll of the dice if they don't clean it and find the source.

 

[Anddrewz105da]

Thanks for the help.. this will be my second one last one made it to 225,000 before the trans blew out .dealer said he had it cleaned and valve cover replaced going to take it on another test ride tomm. For at least an hour I figure if it's going to show a leak I should be able to spot it

 

[stamp11127]

You can a decent mechanics mirror at Lowest. That way you can see what the valve cover gasket is doing. You'll need a light to help see.

 

[Anddrewz105da]

Went back a saw it again today he had the valve cover gasket changed and the engine cleaned took it for an hour long ride and right side was soaked with oil again . Definitely the head gasket dealer says that he will fix it truck is in beautiful shape don't know if I should walk away or see if he will stick to his word

 

[reece146]

If he's going to fix it buy it. Depends on what the ask is of course.

 

[Anddrewz105da]

He was only wanting 3000. O0 that's about what they go for around here give or take a few hundred

 

[northernexp]

Try and talk him down on it, u could play it down citing that the head leak has u worried and see if he will do both head gaskets for u, if he does then it should be worth buying. My 01 has 346,000 kms and drives like new after a bit of regular maintenance. 120,000 miles is significantly lower milage than mine so it should be good, the most I had to do was intake and valve cover gaskets, plugs and coils.

 

[albany9044]

If the dealer says he's gonna fix it then I'd hold him to it. But don't give anymore money til they do and you know for sure, that or try and talk him down on the price as others have said. I have a 98 5.4 eb that's around 232k and was running strong til we got t-boned by some idiot who wasn't paying attention and most likely speeding. Most we've had to do to the truck was new plugs and boots, 1 coil, and kept it topped up on fluids and it runs like a champ. Only thing other than that is we still need to replace the remote oil filter lines which will be done once truck is out of the shop

 

[JUST4FUN]

Being that its in NY look infront of the rear tires on the body inside and outside look for rot from road salt
Bring a friend to be a neutral party to pick the truck apart ( that's how I found a bad rad in mine split seam) good luck