Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 97 12 V Oil in Coolant -

[LFalconer]

All,



Our 97 12v with 142K started "pumping" coolant out of the overflow bottle Monday. However no white smoke out of the exhaust. Truck ran the same.



We had just put an oil cooler in it about 4 weeks ago, so doubt an oil cooler.



My guess... is that the head gasket went, as the truck is mildly modded and is boosting more than stock.



Contamination of water in the oil is minimal.



Couple questions;



1 Does Head Gasket seem to be a good guess?



2. What protocol in terms of flushing the oil / coolant system is recommended?



3. What type / brand of Head Gasket would be recommended as going back to stock doesn't appeal... :-laf





Other thoughts / ideas?



Thanks, Luke

 

[CogginsP]

tell-tale signs of popped head gasket... unfortunately it hasn't happened to me so I can't tell you what to do to drain the oil out of the radiator and get water out of oil tank...



When you replace your head gasket most people go with the o-ring and stud kit setup. That should keep you safe to up to 80 llbs of boost. I consider it great insurance, just make sure you follow instructions closely when you install and take everyone's advice... or else it won't take much to blow the gasket again

 

[CumminsPower98]

Sounds like the HG for sure. I have seen three blow, all having very little to no cross contamination so I can't really help you there. If you are only mildly uprated in power I wouldn't suggest o-rings. I blew mine at about 38 psi and 247k miles. I went ahead and put studs back for insurance and am currently keeping my boost at 30 while I'm towing a lot just to be on the safe side. The stock Cummins gasket is going to be about the best you can get for a daily driver as far as I know. In '98 they started installing/selling the "marine" gasket as the stock gasket for the Dodges so no need to ask for it like some people say. I know this because my truck had one on it stock and I have bought a few gaskets for other jobs. Make sure you have the head checked and surfaced.

 

[LFalconer]

Thanks for the info on the HG and the OEM being the Marine version.



I understand 36 psi seems to be the magic # for blowing the stock HG.



Not much cross contamination in the oil, coolant different story. We'll try a couple flushes with dishwashing power [cascade] and see how the radiator fares.



Thanks, Luke

 

[csutton7]

it's a blown head gasket --this is what my truck did when I blew mine---chris

 

[TGroves]

yep ,, you gota blown hg ..... mine blow three months ago ,still have't got it back yet #@$%! ... but do buy the studs and taps and o-ring or fire ring it ,,,if you take it to where i took mine to get decked and fire ringed don't hold or breath because you will die,,, find someone that will do the work for the little guy as well as the guy that spends 40,000 on a motor ... .

 

[Missouri Mule]

LFalconer, do a search for oil in coolant there should be threads where they recommend how to get oil out of cooling system.

 

[hsmith]

Think I read where all gaskets are the marine quality now. I went with a . 010 over thickness on mine with a stock head. Really like it.

Smitty