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Time for head studs?

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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 09:44 PM
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Time for head studs?

I don't know much now, but I knew even less a few months ago when my FICM imploded. In the process of trying to figure out what the problem was myself, I noticed "white stuff" all over the driver's side manifold. When I asked if that was related to the FICM going out, the repairman said that it was. I've since noticed a loss of coolant, and the same white stuff on parts where it wasn't before. In short, I think I have a head gasket leaking. No real problems with the truck except a VERY intermittent rough idle and that dang wiggling fuel pressure gauge. Any chance that I'm wrong about the gasket leaking?
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 09:50 PM
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Any chance that I'm wrong about the gasket leaking?[/QUOTE]

I was going to write just a simple "no", but maybe you'll get lucky. Can you test your coolant system for pressure and leaks? I would think this is unrelated to the FICM issue. It really sounds like you are puking. Those white spots cost me a lot of money a few yrs ago.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Sullid01
Any chance that I'm wrong about the gasket leaking?
I was going to write just a simple "no", but maybe you'll get lucky. Can you test your coolant system for pressure and leaks? I would think this is unrelated to the FICM issue. It really sounds like you are puking. Those white spots cost me a lot of money a few yrs ago.[/QUOTE]

I added a coolant filter a few weeks ago (long after white spots were first noted), so I've been watching all of those connections for any kind of leak and have seen none. As to testing pressure, I'm not aware of a way to test it but I'm willing to learn.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:05 PM
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Unfortunately I am not in a position to be teaching - I am still definitely the student too! I think there is a gauge you can fit to the degas bottle to see if pressures run too high - it will puke if over 16psi, IIRC. There is also a way to test for exhaust gas in the coolant. Hopefully a tech will add some more detail for you.

I do know one thing for sure though - it's not you EGR cooler! (deleted right?)
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:07 PM
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This is one of the pressure testers I have seen, but never used.

Mityvac MV4560 Radiator/Cooling System and Pressure Test Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:10 PM
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Here is one of the combustion gas testers. I don't have one of these either.

UVIEW 560000 Combustion Leak Tester : Amazon.com : Automotive

I know I can't do the head gaskets myself so I just paid for all of it. If you are capable, then these kits might be worth the investment to make sure your diagnosis is correct before you start fixing stuff.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Sullid01
Here is one of the combustion gas testers. I don't have one of these either.

UVIEW 560000 Combustion Leak Tester : Amazon.com : Automotive

I know I can't do the head gaskets myself so I just paid for all of it. If you are capable, then these kits might be worth the investment to make sure your diagnosis is correct before you start fixing stuff.
Nah, I have neither the time nor the skill. Yes, my EGR is long gone. One question I bet you can answer: if I get my studs, am I now able to just "put foot through the floor?" We all talk about EGTs, boost, etc. "if you don't have studs." So if I have studs, can I just go nuts?
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:26 PM
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how is the EGR Cooler deleated???
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by DieselVol
Nah, I have neither the time nor the skill. Yes, my EGR is long gone. One question I bet you can answer: if I get my studs, am I now able to just "put foot through the floor?" We all talk about EGTs, boost, etc. "if you don't have studs." So if I have studs, can I just go nuts?


Depends^^^^

you will need fuel system upgrades depending what you do with it

one thing usually leads to another

I figure its about a 5K Hit to make a race truck and do it right

But if you stud it and Tune it with stock sticks and OEM Turbo then Minimum would be a Fuel system upgrade a regulated return or something
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by BLADE35
how is the EGR Cooler deleated???
Hmmm, good question...I bought an EGR delete kit from one of the companies that were considered to make a top quality kit at the time (3-4) years ago. Can't recall the name, but it was not just a cap off, but rather a complete delete. I will say that the truck has no loss of power issues, nor have any of the monitors indicated that anything is wrong. Think there might be a problem with my delete?
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:37 PM
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Originally Posted by BLADE35
Depends^^^^

you will need fuel system upgrades depending what you do with it

one thing usually leads to another

I figure its about a 5K Hit to make a race truck and do it right

But if you stud it and Tune it with stock sticks and OEM Turbo then Minimum would be a Fuel system upgrade a regulated return or something
Not the racer type (too old to care who wins), just wondering if I have to back off on a hill as the temp and boost start to climb.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by DieselVol
Hmmm, good question...I bought an EGR delete kit from one of the companies that were considered to make a top quality kit at the time (3-4) years ago. Can't recall the name, but it was not just a cap off, but rather a complete delete. I will say that the truck has no loss of power issues, nor have any of the monitors indicated that anything is wrong. Think there might be a problem with my delete?

I see

Basicaly I was just getting at if the egr cooler had been welded shut as some of those do NOT get welded right and Leak

those need to be TIG Welded and some are not especially the ones off E-Bay

But if the cooler is gone then no worries there
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by BLADE35
I see

Basicaly I was just getting at if the egr cooler had been welded shut as some of those do NOT get welded right and Leak

those need to be TIG Welded and some are not especially the ones off E-Bay

But if the cooler is gone then no worries there
Just Googled EGR delete kit. I believe it was Rivercity diesel's kit. Well thought of at the time, may not be now. Do you expect other symptoms like power loss or such with a gasket leak?
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted by DieselVol
Not the racer type (too old to care who wins), just wondering if I have to back off on a hill as the temp and boost start to climb.

EGT would be good to watch

Boost should be regulated with the Tune

If it did overboost then the Turbo might be dirty or a Bad sensor basicaly would be no more of a concern than a Stock truck as far as problem developing but should be able to push more Boost psi with studs the Tune writer would know about that stuff and how much boost he can push threw it

I would look into a Fuel system upgrade for shure cuz the Tune will push more fuel and the OEM setup isnt the Best since its regulated before the Fuel rail in the Heads.

Its better if the Fuel Press is regulated After the Fuel rail in the Head and your injectors will last longer this way
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 10:47 PM
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So if I have studs, can I just go nuts?[/QUOTE]

Well, you see what I have and 3 yrs later, no head gasket troubles. I would stick to tunes with the SCT from Matt at Gearheads or IDP tunes and don't tow with a race tune. I do not worry about flooring it. I really don't know if you change the injectors though. I think you just meant about driving style - yeah, after studs just go nuts!
 
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