Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Head Gaskets

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 11:38 AM
  #1  
Shelbynut's Avatar
Shelbynut
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
Head Gaskets

Hey guys, I'm a newbie to theFord diesel. I've had a cummins for the past 12 years and got a decent deal on a early 04 in San Antonio in Jan. I saw oil leaks when I got it and thought it was just the GP buss bar. I replaced the plugs and bars and cleaned it up. Now I am seeing oil right at the head gasket and running down the back sides of the block. There are no other signs of hd gskt leaks: antifreeze or the way it runs. Could it be just the gskt or is there something else I need to look at? Next question I haven't been able to figure out, can the heads be pulled in the truck or do I need to pull the motor or cab? Thanks for any help. I love the truck - it sure beats the tar out of the old Dodge! I just want to make it reliable so I'm not worrying every time I drive it.
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2012 | 12:49 PM
  #2  
Shelbynut's Avatar
Shelbynut
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
HPOP System?

I've been trying to research as much as possible. Could this be a HPOP leak? I haven't had any hot start issues, but yesterday it started hard the first time. It was in a 65* garage. When it first cranked, it sounded like it was starting then died immediately. Could it all be tied together or maybe 2 separate issues? Again, can head gaskets/studs be done in the truck?

Thanks for any ideas and help.

Dave
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2012 | 12:58 PM
  #3  
bpounds's Avatar
bpounds
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
I think it would be pretty rare for head gaskets to leak oil externally. So I have to think the oil is coming from somewhere else. Like the valve covers, the ICP sensor (very common on the '03 and early '04), the turbo, or the HPOP. Keep looking to find the leak before you condemn the HG. Most HPO leaks that you see discussed here are not external leaks. But there can be leaks round the pump too.

The one incident of hard start could also be ICP related. So take a close look at that sensor and pigtail.
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2012 | 04:35 PM
  #4  
Shelbynut's Avatar
Shelbynut
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
My bad, its not the head gasket, its the rocker carrier to head gasket. Everything on top is completely dry. The only oil is on both sides, mostly on the back half but some up front. After cleaning and just enough of a drive to get the temps up, you can really see it. Its not valve covers.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
timellis
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
13
Feb 10, 2019 04:32 PM
007bronco
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
5
May 5, 2014 04:03 PM
narcicus
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
9
Oct 5, 2010 07:49 PM
Spaznaut
General Automotive Discussion
11
Jun 21, 2005 09:15 AM
HIROLLN
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
1
May 3, 2004 01:09 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:51 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE