Change of mind. I am going to try to repair the engine as inexpensively as possible and sell or trade in the truck for a newer vehicle. I have installed a new lower intake manifold gasket and confirmed it was not the problem, so now I am going to pull the RH head (#3 clyinder) and see if the head gasket is blown or the head is cracked.
Question - Is it recommended to install the new gasket clean & dry as per the Haynes manual or add Permatex to it for aditional sealing? I did not use Permatex to the lower intake manifold gasket (per Haynes manual) except at the cross connect gaskets. Could it possibly be an issue that Permatex was NOT used in the installation of the Lower intake?
Is there anything else I should look out for? This is my 1st attempt in removing engine heads. Also, should the heads "always" be ground once removed or is there a good way to inspect them to determine their serviceability as is? Im not looking to make this the finest 4.2 engine... I just want it to run normal.

Thanks

 

Confirmed head gasket failure. Question, Does anyone know the flatness tolerance inspection for the head. I didnt see it in the Haynes manual. The head appears ro be flat and smooth at the failure point of the gasket. I am hopeing to simply reinstall the head with a new gasket and not have the head re-machined (minimal cost) since I am planning to sell the truck.
Any thoughts on this?

Thanks