I have a 2000 f250 Super Duty 4X4 with 249,000miles. The basic repairs have been general maintenance, fluids, brakes, tires, sparkplugs, thats it. I have had problems with the heater core clogging. I flushed many times, and replaced 4 times since 240,000miles. last week I lost heat, and starting having major overheating problems that have left the truck parked.

This is what I have tried, but nothing has worked:
-flush system with flush kit multiple times/ at a service center w/vaccum
-changed the thermostat two times ( wasn't sure if the new one was bad)
-new heater core again
-new water pump
-new radiator

My problem was truck would run fine, then the temp gauge would peg to H, engine sputter, so I shut off. Wait a few minutes turn on temp was fine, and truck was fine. I did everything to get air out. I noticed after running 10 to 15min I have extreme pressure in the overflow tank. I ran the truck without the thermostat and it does the same. Also did all steps to get air out

I have white smoke on start up, then stops after a minute. There is very greasy black residue in tailpipe, a little cream on the oil cap ( I have had that since 50,000 miles) no visible leaks (showing on the ground) I do consume antifreeze, lately a half gallon a week, some from boil over. I average 1000 miles a week, no trailer, do have tools and tool box, in bed

I think I may have a blown head gasket or cracked head. Does this sound right. Or am I overlooking something? Also if this would be this case would you try to tear down engine to troubleshoot to repair, or I found a replacement engine with 49,652miles 3 year warranty for $1800?? Either way both are a large project.

Thanks for any help

 

Sounds like a head gasket to me. Get a price on getting them done if its to much then I would look at the used engine.

 

Hi, I have the same truck that is having the exact same problem. what did you ever come up with? my number is 909-890-8331 or my email address is racerjeff963@yahoo.com. Thanks

 

Hello Jeff Holmes and welcome to FTE.

I doubt you will get any response from the original poster in this thread. He posted once about 1 year ago and hasn't posted since.

It sounds like you also have a head gasket issue. The only way to tell for sure is an engine tear down, although a compression test might show a head gasket issue, if 2 adjacent cylinders are both down on compression. Another quick test is to have a mechanic use a tailpipe sniffer in the radiator (or overflow bottle) to detect the presence of combustion gases.