Ford 4.6L and 5.4L “head gasket” leak

Problem phone call we get: “I just installed my newly remanufactured engine and the head gasket is leaking”

Although it might truly be a head gasket failure in some cases, we have found that usually the installer has not put enough sealant on the timing cover where the block, head and timing cover meet. The timing cover leaks and trickles down the cylinder head. It presents like a head gasket, but its really the timing cover. There is a (TSB) technical service bulletin out about this problem, but a lot of DIY and some mechanics don’t have that information when doing an install.

Barnette’s Remanufactured Engines has built several Ford 4.6L and 5.4L long-block engines for customers and shops to install. Barnette’s Engines build our engines to last. The engine blocks are surfaced as well as the cylinder heads. When installing the head we use an (MLS) Multi-Layer Steel gasket and Permatex Gasket sealer and ALWAYS new head bolts. We do our best to eliminate head gasket failure in the field and lets be honest no one wants a leaking head gasket.

As a side note and headache saver for all, please check the sealant on the timing cover before deciding to rip the engine cylinder head off.