Oil leaking out of head gasket !!!!!

[jherman489]

My 90 cummins with 160k appears to have oil leaking out of the last exhaust manifold stud at the firewall and appears to be weeping out of the head gasket area also just above the same exhaust manifold bolt. This is really hard to see and i have to look with a mirror from under the exhaust manifold, but i am fairly certain i am seeing it. The truck runs fine has no misses and the leak is very very slow, more of a weep. i have the Banks intercooler on it, i have never pushed over 20lbs of boost since i installed on the motor when it was new in 1990, has anyone ever seen oil come out of a head gasket, i thought only water could come out of there, any thoughts or suggestions, i dont think i have a big fire here but i sure am curious what could be going on????

 

[jray]

Hi jherman,

I was told over twenty years ago by diesel mechanic that I could expect to replace my head gaskets at around 150k miles because it would start to leak oil. Back then I owned a 6. 9 Ford and over the years that number (150k) has stuck with me. Based on your mileage and the age of your truck I'd guess it's just that time. Time to replace the head gasket.

 

[Greenleaf]

I have never seen one leak oil. . My 1990 has well over 300k on it now and no leaks. However, the old heads have been replaced with an updated head as they are known for cracking. So to replace the gasket only on a 1989/1991 wouldn't make a lot of sense.



Plan for a head, three piece exhaust manifold, gasket kit, and all the other little goodies. You should not be over 1,400. 00 to do it all unless you want a performance head w/the studs etc. etc.