Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil in Rad - not good

[argve]

Ok just purchased truck. 179k on clock, has been loosing a little coolant at the head gasket to block mating surface. Thought maybe was tstat housing (could not really see all that well with hose in way). But now it's official it's the head gasket, knew that if I waited long enough it would tell me without a doubt where it hurts - it did...

I assume this is a head gasket failure. Thoughts on the situation.

If it is a head gasket is this something the jr home mechanic wants to tackle? Or is this something best left to the pros?

 

[matches]

I guess it just depends on your bravery. You might think about getting it o-ringed, especially if you are going to bomb it. You may have one of those cracked block situations, they have been known to happen from time to time. If I find the link about the cracked block I will pm it to you.

 

[radcam]

Shoot Travis with all the experiance you have with the idi the cummins head gasket should be a walk in the park.

 

[argve]

I guess it's just the new-ness of it, it's new ground for me. I ended up whimping out and taking it in... Took to Dave's Diesel up in Angola, he is going to go through the head completely - valve job if need be, ground flat etc... he is also going to install the heavy duty exhaust springs so that I can plug the hole in the exhaust brake to get even more WHOA! power. I figure if I get any more effect from the EB that I won't need brakes for anything other than final stopping or setting the ebrake . I can already just about shut her down completely even with the trailer strapped to her butt.

I guess the whole adjust the lash of the rockers got me sort of skeert if you will. I have not set valve lash for a long long time...

 

[Seabee]

Don't forget to pressure check your engine oil cooler. Oil can be introduced to the cooling system this way also.



Good luck!

 

[JMauro]

yea i don't have much experience with the cummins but the oil cooler was first thing came to my mind.