Head Gasket Testing

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Mar 15, 2013 | 09:24 PM

dr103

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Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 29

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From: Raleigh NC

Head Gasket Testing

Have 2007 F250 6.0/ 90000 miles. Already done the head gaskets oil & egr cooler at 50000. Have Scangauge checking wt, eot, trans temp & fan speed. Water temp has been bouncing everywhere from 170-190. Has always run around 190. Delta has been 6-10 depending on driving style. I decided to change thermostat. I also made a test kit for the degas bottle.

These are my results with just regular driving, no pulling equipment.

Running 65-75 mph pressure runs 7.5 - 10. Under hard acceleration pressure climbs to 13 but no more.

I normally pull a skid steer (26000 lbs) with my truck & I'm wanting to know what my pressure should be reading with a load & no load.

The new thermostat did fix my eratic temps.

Thanks in advance.

Mar 17, 2013 | 09:46 AM

CPB1

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 1,760

Likes: 21

Did you have studs installed when gaskets where replaced? If the gaskets where done under warranty then I believe they use the TTY bolts.

Also, you asked the million dollar question. What should the pressure be, to witch I have not found the answer. The best way to diagnose the head gaskets leaking combustion gas into the cooling system is this,

This is not to say I would endorse this company, but his testing process is the best I have found.

I am not sure if this is the answer you were looking for. If you could please post back with your findings because I am having the same symptoms.

Thanks

Mar 17, 2013 | 06:06 PM

Restlesswildman

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 1,644

Likes: 3

From: SW Ohio

Why would anyone pay to have a gauge shopped to them when you can go and build that for about $25 bucks?

Informative video!!

Mar 17, 2013 | 07:26 PM

dr103

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 29

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From: Raleigh NC

Head Gasket Testing

My results were I thought good. Running with no load pressure would be around 7-10 with temps around 190. When I loaded it up with my equipment it ran the same except when it started pulling up a grade. It then climbed to 13 but no more.

I agree with the other guy, you can make a kit for $25.

I was hoping that some of the Ford tech guys would have an answer.

And you are correct, Ford did install the tty bolts. I should have done the ARPs but I was broke at the time.

Mar 17, 2013 | 07:42 PM

69cj

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 13,834

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From: Middle Tn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr103

Not an expert, Bismic might chime in, but your numbers look acceptable to me.

Mar 17, 2013 | 07:54 PM

bismic

Fleet Owner

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 27,919

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Definitely not an expert either, but I continually watch my degas pressure.

The numbers will depend on the cold level of the coolant. If it is a high level in the degas bottle (ie leaving very little vapor space) then the pressure will go higher than if the cold level is around the minimum line.

Assuming your cold level is around the minimum line, then the numbers look good to me.

Also, there is a thread on this in the Tech Folder.

Mar 18, 2013 | 10:40 PM

dr103

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 29

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From: Raleigh NC

Head Gasket Testing

Thanks for the replies. I do keep the degas bottle about 1/2 inch below min. Today I really got on it good pulling a heavy load & it got close to 15 lbs pressure. But as soon as I backed off pressure dropped to 12. So I think I'm OK.

I really would like to install the ARP studs & I will later on.

Thanks for your help

David