Oil Leak, Head Gasket?

[CrewCabDiesel]

My Son's 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 just started leaking a lot of oil on the drives side of the motor, looks like its coming from behind the ECM, could it be the a head gasket? Doesnt seem to be mush else there that could leak oil. He just repaced the valve cover, changed oil, and put new water pump, (water temp spike at 240 before the thermostat opened). Lasty how bad is it to pull the head in the truck?
Truck specs, 2000, 2500, Auto, 4X4, 365000 miles, mostly stock except air box, exhaust and turbo upgrades, no tunner.
Thanks
Kyle

 

[GAmes]

The valve cover replacement is a clue. I'd look there.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

We already looked there its all dry and the leak is below the intake.

 

[DavidC]

Tappet cover ?

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

thought 12 Valves were the last to have tappet covers?

 

[DavidC]

thought 12 Valves were the last to have tappet covers?

24V have them, so I understand the VP has to be removed to get to it and put a new gasket on.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I never pulled my 2001 that far apart to notice the tappet cover, but of course I have replaced my VP44 which is a PIA, but better than pulling the head! I'm in the process of rebuilding my 04 for the second time, had an oil pressure issue because of the BS factory gauge (its a switch, not a sending unit) that doesnt really read oil pressure. I put a mechanical gauge on it to find only 10 psi at idle. So with two bad knees a bad back and AFib I just got the bottom end back together and plan on installing the head and prepping the rest of the motor hope to have it back in Sunday. and in the middle of that help my oldest son replace the tappet cover gasket.
Thanks for the help
Kyle

 

[NIsaacs]

Tappet cover ?

I agree.

 

[FHerault]

I agree.

Me too ! I've just finished mine (12v) and no more leaks.

 

[Chief USA]

My Son's 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 just started leaking a lot of oil on the drives side of the motor, looks like its coming from behind the ECM, could it be the a head gasket? Doesnt seem to be mush else there that could leak oil. He just repaced the valve cover, changed oil, and put new water pump, (water temp spike at 240 before the thermostat opened). Lasty how bad is it to pull the head in the truck?
Truck specs, 2000, 2500, Auto, 4X4, 365000 miles, mostly stock except air box, exhaust and turbo upgrades, no tunner.
Thanks
Kyle

I just came across this exact problem the other day when the wife brought the truck back complaining about huge amounts of white smoke (separate issue) I checked the oil filler cap to see if coolant was in the oil and noted that the crank case was seriously pressurized when I removed the cap. Long story short, check your crank case vent tube on the front of the engine for mud daubers building a nest inside of it. If the crank case gets pressurized, the engine will leak everywhere there is a weak point or already leaking gasket or seal.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

It was the tappet cover gasket, brittle as glass and lots of cracks. Looks like it was the first time anyone has done anything to this motor except the VP44 and we upgraded the turbo, exhaust and air box. Truck is at 365000 miles

 

[Joe Mc]

CCD, man you ain't letting any ailment hold you back! Right on brother "old guys rule"! KUDOS keep em on the road!

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Who you callin old?

My 2004 is back on the road, runs super smooth and oil pressure is 25 psi at full temp/idle, 72 psi at 1600 rpms full temp.
Kyle

 

[Joe Mc]

Kyle, pretty good "who you calling old"? I'm talking about whoever that old guy that looks back at me in mirror is...LOL

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I can't look at the old guy in the mirror any more, it cracked!