darrenG

So, when I park my truck on hills and leave it in gear w/o the emergency brake it will now slowly roll the engine over and move. These are hills I've parked it on without it ever rolling. I have yet to check the coolant level (if I never look it can never be the problem, right?)

My question is how much fun is it to replace the head gasket on this beast of burden?

Clunk

I don't know about the head gasket yet.
Are you parking it in 1st gear?
16.5:1 compression should hold most any grade, are you in the truck when it happens?

darrenG

first gear, yes. and I'm in the truck. you can feel the truck move slightly, then slightly more, then the cylinder opens, all compression is gone, and it moves and then stops @ the next cylinder.

darrenG

Coolant isn't missing a drop. Checking the oil level won't be too dependable because of the breather. Is there some way to tell if it's burning motor oil along with the diesel? I wonder if I hit the doors and fenders with a hammer...

jrs_dodge_diesel

How about bubbles in the coolant when the engine is running, that is a sure way to tell if the gasket crapped out. Our engines won't burn off coolant due to our engines being turbocharged (the pressure forces air into the water jacket) and since there is no vacuum coolant will never be sucked in.

Another thing is too do a valve adjustment if you haven't done so in a while, that may help things.

I want to reccomend using a higher gear when you park on a hill (like 4th, 5th or 6th). Gravity isn't going to generate the force nessessary to spin the engine if you do that.

JD730

I wouldn't, it mechanically more difficult to turn the engine over in first gear and it is in any of the higher gears.
Thats why when people pull start tractors they use usually use the gear just below road gear or the one below that, but never 1st gear.

nitrousn

Not true. There is more resistance in a lower gear. If you park on a hill you use your lowest foreward gear or reverse.

I doubt it is a head gasket or anything wrong with the truck.

PChouinard

Low gear for parking on a hill. This will create a mechanical advantage for the motor to hold the vehicle in place. One turn of tire would be several turns of engine in low gear.

Clunk

One thing to remember is our trucks ain't lightweight. Even big rig trucks set their airbrakes when parking. .

darrenG

I don't have an e-brake till I maintenance my rear brakes.

I'll check for bubbles of joy in the radiator.