Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Leaking coolant at the head

[Posm]

Cracked Head or Head Gasket?

I noticed the other day some coolant coming out from under my truck while pulling a pretty good load through Atlanta. I did not have the option of waiting so I put in a quart of coolant and went on to Mobile. After I got home fearing the worse, a cracked block, I checked for the leak. I can not get it to leak again and the leak apeared to come from the head gasket, under the exhaust manifold, between number 5 and number 6 ports. I checked the oil and it looks good and I have lost about a pint of coolant total. I will watch it this week and take it in for a pressure test next week. Any clues would be helpfull.

 

[TomGolden]

Well, twice on my old Ford 6. 9L diesel, I blew head gaskets. Both times there was white smoke out the exhaust from coolant getting into the cylinders, and several times, the cylinders would get into a state of hydraulic lock from having coolant in the cylinders, and it wouldn't crank at all. And of course you smell coolant all the time... .



I would think these symptoms would also manifest on a Cummins, but since I have fortunately not blown my head gasket on this truck, I have no first hand experience on these engines.



Tom

 

[Posm]

Thanks Tom



No white smoke or leakage into the oil or the cyinders. I am hoping that the gasket is leaking from the cooling port into the head straight to the outside.

 

[Pit Bull]

Hope this is not your problem but a few inches below where you mentioned you thought you were leaking from is where the antifreeze leaks have come from cracked blocks. I understand that they usually start showing up on a hard pull. I would have this checked out by the dealer, since I am sure based on the year truck that you are covered under warranty. Keep us posted.

 

[Posm]

No warranty here, I'm working on 140K. I am pretty sure it is up on the head area. I know several people have gotten warranty consideration over 100K, but I doubt this far over.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Posm

No warranty here, I'm working on 140K.

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Wow, on a 2000 truck. Looks like you haven't been at home watching TV Good luck.