i started working on my head gasket today, got everything off. just calling it quits for tonight. there was some bad news though... got the manifolds off and noticed the third cilinder there was a lot of burn oil/carbon buildup. all the other cylinders look suprisingly well for haveing 250,000 milies exept #3 black everything spark plug, piston top,valves and injector. im assuming that cylinder has a bad ring:/ oh well once i get it all back together with all new gaskets plugs and motor mounts it will be better than in was. i will try to update tommorow, im getting up at six to get some time in. im just gonna take my time and replace all the bolts and clean everything. i think i enjoy working on it more than i like driving it ha

 

Don't assume it has a bad ring.

4.0's also can have valve guide/valve seal problems with high mileage. If you have a valve guide issue, now would be the time to fix it. Did you ever see a little puff of oil smoke on startup?

 

Are you having any work done to the head while its off???

Now would be the best time for it.

 

X2 Good insurance while it's off. Have it checked for flatness, get a valve job, and new guides. You might hate yourself later if you don't.