My head gasket failure!

[Strick-9]

I believe I'm going to stop attending TDR events.



It seems I have trouble with my truck every time. So far I'm 3 for 3.



At the Lake Belton meet last year, I had just installed a DTT TC and VB and the increased pressures were causing havoc with my mystery switch abused transmission. I had no kickdown ability and no 2-3 shift under WOT.



Earlier this year, I pulled a 5th wheel to Bill K's seminar in Dallas. I live 3 hours from Dallas and as soon as I entered the freeway with the trailer I felt 4th gear begin to slip. I limped the truck all the way to Dallas, but had destroyed the transmission by the time I got there. I had lost the 4th gear piston seal which completely burnt out the 4th gear clutch pack. Several other parts were destroyed as well.



This weekend I attended the Texas Rally. I was traveling with Cumminsgetme and I planned to bring a trailer in case one of us had problems, but I later abandoned the idea. Saturday at about 5pm I made a trip into town to test some new 'censored' pump modifications and to fill up with diesel. When I arrived back at the park I found coolant literally pouring out of my head gasket near the #5 and #6 cylinders.



Each time the problems seem to get more difficult to repair. I'm afraid of what will happen at the next gathering.



I took a few pics of the havoc for your enjoyment.



Here's a pic of my broken truck being miserably loaded onto a trailer.

#ad




This is a picture of my now empty engine bay. It's amazing how big that P7100 looks when the motor isn't overshadowing it.



#ad




I'll post more when I get the ported head and thicker gasket to reinstall.



-Chris

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Nice pics

What type of camera do you have?

 

[Deezul1]

Chris

Glad you found a trailer ok and its a head gasket and not cracked head.

John

 

[JConley]

As I told you... You are my mentor simply because you tell me what NOT to do Seriously, I am glad that it was only the gasket. With that new transmission and head work, you should be set. But then again, I bet you have a new 7100 pump in there by the next rally. Wish I was there to help, lord knows I owe you for the help you have given me.



Thanks for the advice on the spring kit. It's like a new truck! I should be set with new injectors. But then again... with those, I might need a new turbo..... and then after that, my transmission might need rebuilt with the new TC... and then I can upgrade the fuel plate again... . As I said. You are my mentor



For some reason, I can see Bill K shaking his head about now...

 

[sewman]

Strick9,

I could post the same pic right now but one's enough,as near as I can tell mine blew from #2 to one of the coolant holes. Then blew out by the thermostat. I got the porting finished,,the exhaust was almost 1/4" smaller the gasket & had to match the new ATS manifold too.

How do your valves look?My exhaust have alittle pitting that some lapping should fix.

Have fun,Bob

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Geez, maybe I shouldn't move out there... . you guys would have me blowing up something every weekend!! haha

Sorry to hear about the latest problems... . but just think, it'll be all better in the end.

I gotta learn about these 'censored' pump mods... .



Matt

 

[Strick-9]

Good news. Well, maybe. From looking at my headgasket, I can't see any signs of cylinder pressure leakage around the #5 or #6 cylinders.



From the coolant hole to the outer edge of the head gasket there is definate damage. I'm not an expert at diagnosing failures from failed head gaskets, but I really can't see ANY signs of cylinder pressure leakage. When I cranked the truck to load/unload it, I couldn't hear any rough running or signs of damage. Just leaking coolant. No coolant in oil either.



I went and talked to a Cummins dealer and they said there was an updated head gasket because there were problems with losing coolant.



Basically, I don't think this failure is related to advanced timing or propane.



Maybe I haven't found the limit after all.



Now I just need an engine number from a Diamond B 370 engine and Piers to get home so I can get that ported head down here.



-Chris

 

[sewman]

The headgasket #stock 3283335

+0. 010-3283337

+0. 020-3283339

I just put a 3283337 in my truck & it sure looked alot different than the old one,I think it blew from #2cyl to the coolant hole looks like it went on the block side

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Time for more fuel and lots of timing.....

Then I'll try drugs... .



Matt

 

[MDW]

Basically, I don't think this failure is related to advanced timing or propane.



HeHeHe, your killing me



Good luck, let me know if I can do anything for you.