Hi All,

The time has come where I need to replace the head gasket and EGR on my 05 E350, and I'm looking for a good mechanic in the Reno area or in the Sacramento area. Any help would be great....but I'm looking for a mechanic who understands these engines and their nuances.

Thanks in advance.

 

its going to be a butt load of coin to r/i the engine and remove heads.
van had very few issues with cyclinder heads / bolts. what make you think that it needs head gaskets?

 

I had a local guy do a few tests on it, and that was the conclusion that they came to. New head gasket. The engine is sucking coolant....which started the investigation, then there's a test they performed that they felt was accurate.

 

hmmmm ok. sucking coolant in a boosted engine is not possible.

 

I'm not as educated on this as you are....in fact my knowledge may fit into your little pinky....so thanks for your insights.

I did have a time when I re-filled the coolant to the cold temp line because it was a few gallons low (which seems like a lot) that I had liquid coming out from somewhere inside the driver front wheel well. Other than that incident, the coolant is just going somewhere ( no obvious leaks). I use a scan guage and the engine water temp seems to be where it should be 198 -213 (driving up hill in heat).

Any ideas??

 

failer egr cooler.
please read tsb 09-08-03, it may just save you a few $1000
just use the search function

 

I actually was told that both were failed. That the failing egr cooler, over time, leads to the head gasket failing. Is that possible?

 

please read tsb 09-08-03 for a complete discription of yor concer and the correct method of diag and repair

 

Will do.

...what's "tsb 09-08-03"?

Thanks.

 

I know of a very good mechanic in the Carson City area. He knows the 6.0 inside and out and has a reasonable hourly charge. Trust me on this one... He does side work on weekends at a reduced hourly charge, I think $65/hr.
If you are interested, send me a pm and I will hook you up with him. He can also assist you with a proper diagnosis. He is very busy lately, however I think it would be worth a try to lock him in for your job. I do know that most 6.0 mechanics really hate working on vans, at least that is what I have heard from them.
Let me know, Tim

 

Click on link for TSB.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/tsb/tsb.php/m-FORD


Or this might help
http://www.phila.gov/fleet/Warranty%...sb09-08-03.pdf

 

Thanks. I'll check these out.

 

I might take you up on that...
Thanks for the offer.

 

Shoot me a pm if you decide to try to corner him for the job.

 

So I read that article you suggested, and I bought a new cap at the local Ford dealer. So I have 2 questions...

1. Article says "Fill to MIN fluid levels line in degas bottle" . My degas has only one line and it's called "Cold Fluid Line". No "MIN", and no "MAX". Any suggestions?

2. On a 05 E350 6.0L , can I check the EGR valve for deposits at home? Or does that require taking it to a shop?

Thanks for all your help!!