I have been told that my valley (lower intake manifold) gasket needs to be replaced. Apparently it's leaking oil. I don't have an issue doing this, but if I am going to have the engine torn down that far should I go ahead and have them replace the head gaskets at the same time?

The truck is a 2003 Disco II, 4.6 engine. 65,000 miles. Not in the VIN range for the oil pump issue and it runs great.

With all I have read here about head gaskets being an issue, I would feel pretty bad if I only replaced the valley gasket and then had to re-do the whole thing if a head gasket goes a few thousand miles later.

On the other hand, if it ain't broke, why mess with it?

Opinions? (C'mon, I know you have them)

 

I'm doing my valley gasket tomorrow. I'm not doing the head gaskets because I don't think it's necessary. Most here will say to go ahead and do the h/g while you're in there but I think I'll pass. If it ain't broke....

 

Our engines are weird, most have the head gaskets fail before 60K, yet many will last for over 100K.
This will have to be your call, but while in there inspect the rocker shafts, arms push rods and lifters for wear.

 

if the heads aint leaking coolant then don't bother. but yes the intake does leak oil but replace the valve cover gaskets and the pcv separator at the same time. The separator gets stuffed adn causes the intake gasket to blow up or out. either way oil gets sucked in or out the block.

 

Are you going to be around today Mike? I might need to call on you seeing that this is a pretty big job for a new wrench.

 

I did my head gaskets when I replaced the intake gaskets, it added a lot more work. I don't think I would bother next time. I disassembled my rocker arms and cleaned out the oil passages which were caked with sludge, it seems to run quieter now. You have to be very careful putting it all back together though. Replace your valve cover gaskets too.

 

Good advice all and thanks. I do have a ticking lifter that will be addressed as well.

 

after doing mine I would say don't bother yet, the valley pan is in my opinion simple and cheap just a matter of getting things out of the way. but the head gaskets require machineing and torqueing, just more in depth work. Plus your hg's may last 50,000 more mile you don't know. If you have to change them in 25-50,000 miles it will give you a chance to freshen up other stuff that you might not even think of doing now, like lifters and valve oil seals.