Time for head studs?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 854
Likes: 17
From: Florida
Not sure if any of this is significant: yesterday, engine just turned off, coolant at min in degas bottle. Today, engine running, coolant at 1/2 to 3/4" below min. Opened the degas bottle top, BIG whoosh of pressure release, and the coolant level immediately returned to min. Normal? Also, there is some crusting on and around the degas cap, but no evidence of runoff between the bottle and the manifold. That makes me think that the coolant is not going from the cap to the manifold. The intake is right below the cap and is clean as a whistle. Thoughts?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Sorry, I was unclear. I turned the truck off, it did not shut off. I contacted Tousley Ford by email about a new cap. I'll get that ordered tomorrow.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 854
Likes: 17
From: Florida
Tousley's prices are great - if there is a dealer nearby, it might be cheaper after shipping charges to just get it from the dealer. I usually try to order a bunch of stuff at the same time so the shipping doesn't screw up the good deal too much.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
I'll check that too, but tax, got to go there as opposed to delivered to my front porch...it usually come out in the wash, especially with $4 a gallon diesel.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 854
Likes: 17
From: Florida
I hear ya - sometimes it is so nice just to come home and everything is there. I drive by the dealership on my way to work - still I'd rather just order it up. Amazon Prime has really spoiled me too. I hope a new cap straightens everything out for you
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Thanks. It'll be a week or so before I get the cap and the tester. I'll update then, I won't leave 'ya hangin'.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Thanks. I had read that before and must admit, it is a little intimidating. My hope is that I have to delve into it further and understand it better. I'm afraid that my coolant/exhaust tester is going to show I do have a head gasket leak. If not, I'll be digging hard into your tech file post.
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Fleet Owner
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Just install a pressure gauge at the degas bottle, get your coolant up to temperature, vent the pressure, off and then watch the pressure while driving. If it gets back up to 16 psig, then you have either a head gasket leak or a cracked head (IMO).
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Supposedly, the tester mentioned on page 1 of this thread will test the coolant for exhaust gas which will diagnose a gasket leak. Agree? I hope so, I bought it earlier today.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Looking back at you tech file, this appears to be a mechanical gauge. Typically, you don't want to bring that in the cab due to risk of line failure and 200+ degree coolant blowing all around the cab. What do you do, just snake it around the hood and put it where you can see it from the cab?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Is the gauge you linked in your tech file electronic, and is this something you have set up to monitor at all times in your cab?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Thanks, sorry to wear you out with questions. You've been very helpful.