headgasket?

 

More than likely. I would do the compression test 2 more times to confirm , but that's pretty low on 3-4

At least you narrowed it down to what head it is. Pull that head and bring cylinders 3-4 down to inspect cylinder walls make sure there is no gouging or deep scratches. I would bet it lost compression and just died.

 

One more thing is you should take that head someplace that can check for warping. Call around local mechanics and see if they can point you in the right direction on getting the head checked.

 

today while i had it running checking things it started making a ticking noise from the intake. increased with RPM's

 

Another thing you can do before you pull the head is shoot some oil down in the cylinders 3-4 and pull the coil wire and crank the engine over several times, Then check compression. If the rings are seized the oil may help free them up and bring your compression back up. If that dosnt work it is definatly a head gasket or warped head.

 

That ticking could be your compression blowing back into the intake or it could be a stuck lifter. Like I said when they get that hot the oil burns and turns to hard carbon and it will cause a lot of issues with bearings lifters rings , basically anything that oil is used to lubricate.

 

so i'm looking at a total top end rebuild? or whole motor at this point?

 

Really cant say, it all depends on the extent of damage. It could be as simple as just replacing the head gaskets. Or it could be much worse. You wont know until you start digging into it.

More than likely the head gasket gave out long before the rest of the engine. At least its not seized up, that would be really bad.

 

This is a good point, might free up the rings enough to at least get the car home. I had a F150 with the 302 that got so hot it cooked the oil bad enough that it turned to a thin grease. I let the motor cool overnight, next morning pulled drain plug and nothing came out. 3 oil changes later she was back on the road, no other damage. These 5.0's can take some abuse.

 

got it home finally after it dieing 3 times along the way and having to leave it sit.. pulled heads off. both gaskets blown and both heads have multiple cracks in them around valves..... crap... :/