Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Head Gasket Issue

[JHarrington]

2001, 3500 4X4, 6spd, ext cab. 285 inj, Edge/Pro comp chip. 289,000 miles



Put an brand new head gasket on back at 218,000. Now it appears the head is leaking oil at the very back of the engine closest to the firewall. I'm preparing to pull the engine and try and get to the bottom of this. Any suggestions on what to expect?? Has anyone seen this same sort of issue?? I guess I figured the head gasket would last longer than that. JCH.

 

[NIsaacs]

Is it for sure leaking from the head? Sometimes it is hard to tell. Valve cover or cam soft plug maybe? Is it the drivers side?



Nick

 

[JHarrington]

False alarm. Futher inspection found it to be the tappet cover failure that's relatively common for the 98'-02' gen.



Thanks.

 

[Joe Mc]

False alarm. Futher inspection found it to be the tappet cover failure that's relatively common for the 98'-02' gen.

Thanks.

Not claiming to be an expert but I've never heard a tappet cover failure to be common? I'd look into the timing cover breather it might be restricted. Did the gasket blow out or was it cracked? I've had my truck since 01 and have had the cover off at least 7 times over the years. I decided to get a new gasket when I first took it off to set the valves but afterwards just cleaned it off and reused it.

I stand self-corrected, my mistake - I was talking about my valve cover gasket. Tappet cover on side of engine I get it now. I'd still look into the breather as a possible reason. Another thought if you still have the stock lift-pump bracket that mounts to the side of the block where the old 12V had the lift pump (cam/arm actuated) the gasket there can leak as well and is an easy fix. I got a Chevy v8 fuel pump elimination plate and it fit perfectly replacing the big bulky stock LP mount.