Time for head studs?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
The rest of the story
I got the combustion leak tester as mentioned on page one of this thread. It failed the first test (which appears to be expected based on the instructions) but passed the more extensive test with flying colors! So, there does NOT appear to be a gasket leak, at least at relatively low pressures. We revved the truck to over 2k RPM several times and did the high idle several more times and the fluid stayed blue. I put on my new Tousley Ford degas cap, so we'll see from here. The question is, if it shows no sign of leak with this test in my driveway, does that prove that it does not leak with a boost of 20 and EGTs of 1200?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Yeah, I think so too, but I was kind of hoping for a good excuse to do studs. I know I can anyway, but if there's no need, then there's no need.
Last edited by DieselVol; Sep 18, 2012 at 08:45 PM. Reason: Poor edit job
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Where 'ya been? Been waiting for you to chime in for 3 hours! Yes sir, it is time to move to the next level. You seem to have set yours up as a constant monitor. With the working theory that I DON'T have a leak, but planning to run this truck another 100k (300k total), I need to, too. No doubt, I'll be looking for this to happen if it hasn't already. I did my own fuel pressure gauge, so I figure I can tackle this as well. Anybody make a kit with all you need or is there a parts list? I'd like to go electronic like you did if that's reasonable.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,924
Likes: 3,644
I bought an extra sensor - same as the fuel pressure sensor - and installed it in the vapor space hose. I swap the wiring connection to the gage between the two sensors. I use the Quadzilla Recon XZT - was $100 or so. Not sure if they still sell them.
In my write-up in the Tech folder I list some options for a manual gauge.
In my write-up in the Tech folder I list some options for a manual gauge.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
I bought an extra sensor - same as the fuel pressure sensor - and installed it in the vapor space hose. I swap the wiring connection to the gage between the two sensors. I use the Quadzilla Recon XZT - was $100 or so. Not sure if they still sell them.
In my write-up in the Tech folder I list some options for a manual gauge.
In my write-up in the Tech folder I list some options for a manual gauge.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,924
Likes: 3,644
Actually I keep it on the degas pressure almost all of the time. I only check the fuel pressure every once in a while. I see no reason to watch the fuel pressure continuously. I do check it on every-other-tank (fill up).
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Was I right about which hose is the "vapor space hose"?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Well, I've got some plumbing to do. The fact that my EGR is long gone eliminates one potential source, if I find a problem. Thanks for the help. I'll repost here after I get it going.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
The results are in...I think.
Got the last parts in and hooked up my coolant pressure gauge tonight. The data: 80 degree night, AC on, initial pressure of 0 (zero). Warmed up the truck with a drive to EOT of 194 and ECT of 190. Pressure settled out at 6 psi. Vented the degas bottle and pressure returned to 0. Drove a few minutes until the pressure was obviously starting to rise again, then started driving like I'd just robbed a bank. EGTs over 1300, boost over 30 several times, temps rose to EOT of 216 and ECT of 209. Each time I tromped it, the coolant pressure would go up about 2 psi as the temp steadily rose. Pressure topped out at 16 along with the above mentioned temps. I drove home about 5 miles and the EOT/ECT settled back down to 200/193 and the pressure dropped back to 9 psi. The coolant pressure never spiked at all, every change was in correlation to the rising temps. I think my gaskets are intact and I don't have to get studs now. Am I right?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,924
Likes: 3,644
I have never seen 16 psig in the coolant bottle - 11 is the highest I have seen. The most I have ever seen after venting it is 3 psig - and that is really romping on it.
Doesn't sound like you have a bad issue, but your numbers are higher than what I see or would expect.
Doesn't sound like you have a bad issue, but your numbers are higher than what I see or would expect.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Hmmm, confused now. So, you think I may have a small or very high pressure leak? I don't normally drive at all like that and even when pulling heavy, back off if the boost hits 20. Anything to look at during daily driving that might help the diagnosis?