Hi, I'm new to the diesel world and have chance to buy a 2001 7.3 with 160k on it but the motor has a blown head gasket (This is what the seller says). I am going to look at it myself this week and from what I've read here the 7.3 are not gasket blowers. I'm leaning towards cavitation of the block. Is there any way to tell by the coolant or oil? Check strips etc? Compression test? Any ideas that you can do while looking at it where it sits would be great. Thanks Ray

 

Why does the seller think it's blown? What are the symptoms?

 

Just talked to him once and didn't go that far. I'll be calling him again for more details.

 

Most shops should be able to test the coolant for hydrocarbon contamination to detect head gasket problems.

You are correct, I've hardly ever heard of a blown headgasket

 

Thanks for the replies. Anyone else?

 

If the owner decided it has a blown head gasket just because it has water in the oil or oil in the water there are other more likely causes than a blown head gasket. Might be a real good deal.

You might ask what kind of anti freeze he has been using. I have not read of many of the later ones have a cavitation problems either. I think the cause of cavitation pin holes is old or wrong anti freeze; though I suppose there are other causes.

 

Ask more questions, if he's willing to sell he's got to expect questions on your behalf, especially when things arn't right. Get back to us. Could be something like bad injector o-rings or cups if there's oil or fuel in the coolant.

 

I believe Blackstone labs will check/ test motor oil and coolant levels in the oil.

check out site their web or give them a call

 

Yes I'll be asking more questions. Seems like he just wants to get rid of it and update to something newer. The more I read on the cavitation the more I'm thinking it might be something else. Thanks for all the replies everybody, any more ideas on what it could be or things to look for? I'll post when I get more info on it. Thanks Ray

 

Yeah the cavitation issue was more of a problem with the IDI 7.3 that was a different block. A far more common problem with our engine is erosion at the water pump from SCA flakes in the coolant.

But if there's enough coolant in the oil, it still may have wiped the bearings and need a full rebuild regardless of the source of the coolant.

 

Okay talked to the seller and he said that it would pressurize the radi and overflow tank. I asked if there was coolant in the oil and he said that he didn't look to see. I'm going to look at it later in the week if he still has it. I'm thinking cracked head maybe or injector cups. Any more ideas? Thanks for all the help so far. Ray

 

Bumpity...Bump.....Bump... any thoughts? Also Merry Christmas everyone