Rebuild the head vs. new "used" motor
 

I have a 2003 Ford F150 SuperCrew 182,000 miles ~ I had a die test in the radiator to test for fuel. The test came back positive. The local shop I said it is either a blown headgasket or cracked block and they wont know until they get into it.

"If" it is only a headgasket do I spend my money and just replace that or spend $1400. on a new used motor and go that direction? I may have someone that is willing to do the labor for free but am reaching out trying to figure which is the wisest way to spend my money.

Signed: Truckless in Oregon :(

hi it all depends on what you really want to do. if you trust the person to replace the gaskets do that but, in most cases you might be better off buying the other engine. milage don't reallly mean mutch if it's been maintained the right way

This is a classic 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' situation. I would say this; I NEVER thought the 4.6/5.4 would ever have lasted so long and well for as long as they have. I will add this.
Only you know the history of this truck. When these engine blow up, it's usually (not always, and as with any disaster it can happen in a second) becuase something really went wrong in the first place. Overheating these will blow the headgaskets, but it would also warp the heads, which they were prone to. Or possibly an oiling/pressure/lube concern that just decided to crap out. When these engines get hotter then the surface of the sun when they overheat, the rings will usually collapse.
Just food for thought. If you do get the heads off, get them dye tested.

Hello greasemark

It all depends on what really you want to do.

if it were mine I'd just put another engine in it and call it done