Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need help - Cooling system or head gasket??

[DHatfield]

Well I have never had problems (except lift pumps) with my truck and the coolant level is always between full and empty. I finally added a comp to my truck which is causing my ETH to run at 50 PSI boost on stock head gasket and I noticed coming back from Kansas City that my overflow bottle is completely full and blowing coolant all over the engine compartment, what a mess. I check the oil and is about two quarts low too, but does not look like there is any antifreeze in it. How can you tell if oil is in the antifreeze? It looks clean, but I not sure since I do not know what oil looks like when mixing with antifreeze I does appear to look. I was going to get a sample of the oil done since it is time to change the oil anyway to see if there is any coolant. I do not see any leaks around the head except for a very slight bit, just damp around the front of the block. Engine temps are normal too if that makes any difference. So my question is could this be just a bad radiator cap or is the head gasket blown or other? Right now I am kid of getting a sick feeling that my head gasket is blown internally, but since I do not know much I thought I would get your guys opinion. Thanks,



Doug

 

[willyslover]

Doug. . retorque the head by the Cummins spec's... . with that pressure on a ETH you are about to loose the gasket [many have]. . but if it's not blown now retorque may save you a few miles... you lifting the head and blowing water back through the system and excess is blowing out the overflow... you may need to do an O ring or Haisley ring AND Studs to hold the pressure



ETH's don't like above 42/45 Lbs. [sure some have done it and gone above that ... for a while LOL]

 

[DHatfield]

That what I was thinking too Gary. FloorIt has offered to help me fix my truck and O-ring my head so I should be good to go. It is so wierd I only increased about 8 PSI boost and then it lets go. After talking with FloorIt is appears that if I did not put on the Comp my head gasket probably would of still let go just that it would take little longer to do so. I am just glad it let go while near home and not on one of my Jeeping trips in Colorado or California that I enjoy doing so much.



So did you move yet?

 

[Mtngoat]

Hey Doug, talking about moving, are you still moving to Colorado?? Or am I thinking of someone else. Always nice to have a base in Colorado when wheeling!!

Too bad about your head gasket. I was thinking of doing the same as you even tho I don't make the power you do, preventative maintenance??

You going to Muncie again??



Robin

 

[DHatfield]

Robin, yes I am still planning on moving to Colorado Springs around March - April of next year, man I can't wait either. You are welcome to use my place as home base. I am sure I will be able to find all the neat places to go wheeling. I think I should have done mine earlier to prevent if from happening too, but just didn't get too is until now.



I hope to go to Muncie next year, but if this move does happen I will be playing alot of trips (TDR and wheeling) by ear so to speak.

 

[Mtngoat]

You are close to some awesome wheeling!! The Independence trails are at Penrose just south of Colorado Springs, and eventually you'll have to work your south to Montrose to the Die Tryin trails. They are 4+ and awesome. When you get to Colorado Springs I can hook you up with a friend there that knows where the local trails are. He works at Avenger Superchargers that is also a 4x4 shop. Also, you might start looking at:



http://www.colorado4x4.org/



In the general 4x4 message forums. These guys (most) are hard core and know where to go also.



Robin