Blown head gasket or water pump?

2002 FORD F-150
180,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TOYPACIFIC
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  • 159 POSTS
Hey guys, I got a quick one here, maybe you can help me identify this problem.
Truck runs but the temperature rises.
Oil on the dip stick looks clean.
Oil cap looks good and looking down the valve looks pretty good. No milky looking oil mixture.
But look at this coolant reservoir filled with this milky mixture.
So, before I strip this motor down to the head, I would appreciate your expert advice.
Possible head gasket? Or water pump, or possibly both?
I appreciate any opinion on this matter.
Thank you
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Jan 28, 2022 at 10:40 PM
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SQM
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

Do you see any white smoke coming out of the tailpipe?
Typically, with a blown head gasket you will get white smoke due to coolant and oil mix.

A good first step would be to test for a blown head gasket.
With a blown head gasket, you will have combustion gases in the coolant and that can be determined with a chemical test.

Take a look at this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Go through this and let me know what you find or let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Jan 29, 2022 at 9:24 AM
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TOYPACIFIC
  • MEMBER
  • 159 POSTS
Thanks will do.
Jan 29, 2022 at 10:39 PM
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SQM
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You are welcome.
Jan 29, 2022 at 10:39 PM
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