Free89W350

Ok got a problem. I recently had the cooling system flushed and a new t-stat installed all was ok at first. Now the rad does have a leak somewhere and the inside has some corrosion, I know that I need to take care of that but it is going to have to wait until funds allow.

The problem is that now my antifreeze is pushing over into the over-flow reservoir and my heat is on and off. I installed a new 16psi cap thinking that the old one was weak and letting the coolant escape, but it's still doing the same thing. Does anyone have any ideas what might be wrong. This is starting to drive me batty.

Thanks

JD730

You either have a bad neck in the radiator letting the coolant go past the cap into the bottle or a blown head gasket.

I'm going to have to go with the head gasket theory right now.

wannadiesel

I'm with Mike.

Let me know if you need a hand.

Free89W350

Whats the easiest way to tell if it's a head gasket.

When I went to check to see if there was fluid in the rad today I flipped up the relief valve on the cap and it was pressurized. Now the truck was shut off since around 1:30am and I checked it at around 1pm.

wannadiesel

Combustion gas analyzer sniffing the radiator.

Free89W350

I was adding to my post just as you answered me Dave. Check out what I added. It just didn't seem right to have pressure there and I would think if the gasket was bad that it wouldn't hold pressure or am I wrong thinking that way.

wannadiesel

I think it's head gasket time.

Free89W350

WOO HOO. Well looks like I'll be calling the local Dodge dealer and getting a gasket kit. I know that it's in here somewhere but do you know off the top of your head what all I will need parts wise. The other think that concerns me is what Greg just went through. I'm worried that I'll get the head off and find out that it's junk.

Thanks

CamperAndy

A small leak in the head gasket may only leak when the engine is running at load but could easily hold normally cooling system pressure at least when the leak is new.

If you want the old back yard mech way to see if the head gasket is blown and you do not have an exhaust gas analyzer to sniff the radiator. You can get the engine up to temp so that any fluid expansion that is going to happen has pushed into the over flow. Pull the overflow hose off the radiator and zip tie a balloon on the overflow fitting and then take the truck for a romp. If the head gasket is leaking when you open the hood the balloon will be big and full of air. Now I know old school also says you can unscrew the over flow and look for bubbles in the overflow tank but it may only leak under load so you need a way to catch the bubbles when under load.

Free89W350

That's a pretty interesting idea but I know the guys down at the local dealer very well and the owner will gladly check it out for me with a "sniffer". But once again that is a cool idea.

IRoss

I was having the same thing happen, and when the head came off, man was it warped...make sure you get that thing checked and milled!good luck!

Free89W350

OK I don't have a FSM "yet" and was wondering if any one has the cummins part numbers for ALL parts required for a head gasket change.

Thanks a bunch

Alwaysworking

when mine blew it ran more boost under load and when i tested it with a pressure tester it was good but when i started it up 3 hours later white smoke like crazy but it did start which was amazing

JD730

Same here, I've pulled a head off once or twice.

I don't have any cummins part numbers handy, if your going to run the stock thickness head gasket I would get a head gasket set, that will have everything you will ever need to put a head back on one of these and then some.

As far as getting the head checked out, have it checked for cracks and pressure tested before going any further. If that checks out then have it decked.

Free89W350

Well I just ordered the same head Greg got and I also ordered a set of POD's tomorrow will be all nessisary gaskets and hopefully this weekend will be a head swap. I just hope that I get the same result as all others that have done a new head recently.

When I relized that I needed a head gasket I was going to go buy a beater car and then the wife said if your going to spend a grand on a car I might as well just sink that right back into the truck..... I LOVE HER