97 F150 4.2L Engine Is Out - Also Transmission Leak

[RBeach]

We got the engine out today to check for bent connecting rod, condition of crank and to replace the oil pan gasket. Luckily, we didn't have to drop the front end of the truck as I have heard others had to do. We cleared it with no problem with the engine hoist (Harbor Freight model).

I had heard some light knocking coming from the bottom of the engine.

The lower intake manifold gasket had been replaced before, but they apparently didn't do it right, because when I pulled the lower intake, the gasket was in crappy shape near the back.

The fuel injectors were nasty.

When we removed the oil pan, I could see that no connecting rods were bent or broken.

We haven't taken the heads off yet, as we didn't have the correct length bolts to mount it to the engine stand.

I am debating, since the engine is out, to remove the transmission, and give it a good pressure washing from top to bottom.

I am debating whether to have just the crank reground and new bearings, or just go ahead and do a complete rebuild. The truck has 116,000 miles on it.

I did find that the coil pack has a slight crack near the back of it. I am going to check the resistance of it tomorrow to see if it checks out.

Any ideas or suggestions on anything?