What is wrong?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
What is wrong?
Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a 1994 f350 with 290k miles on it. It seems to run great, however, I cant shake the feeling that something is off.
Currently, I am thinking there is a blown head gasket, I am looking for either confirmation or a lead to a different issue.
I just changed the oil in the truck and it was completely black, no signs of cloudy/milky residue, except for at the very tip of the dipstick.
The following day I drove it for a 60 mile trip (rainy day) and everything seemed to work fine.
The day after I checked it and my brand new oil seemed to have some cloudy bits (on the stick and cap). And my coolant reservoir was definitely lower. I am definitely losing coolant and it doesn't seem to be to the floor.
Another reason I think it was blown, is because the radiator in the vehicle is brand new. If it was driving without a functioning radiator before I purchased it, it would've put extra strain on the head gasket.
My exhaust does not seem to be blowing out white smoke, however, when the dipstick is lifted when the truck was running (just after about 2 miles of running) was puffing out white smoke at a steady rate.
I don't think any of the signs I have seen are normal. Could something else be wrong, is it a blown head gasket?
Let me know if you have any additional questions to help diagnose the issue.
Thanks,
John
I recently purchased a 1994 f350 with 290k miles on it. It seems to run great, however, I cant shake the feeling that something is off.
Currently, I am thinking there is a blown head gasket, I am looking for either confirmation or a lead to a different issue.
I just changed the oil in the truck and it was completely black, no signs of cloudy/milky residue, except for at the very tip of the dipstick.
The following day I drove it for a 60 mile trip (rainy day) and everything seemed to work fine.
The day after I checked it and my brand new oil seemed to have some cloudy bits (on the stick and cap). And my coolant reservoir was definitely lower. I am definitely losing coolant and it doesn't seem to be to the floor.
Another reason I think it was blown, is because the radiator in the vehicle is brand new. If it was driving without a functioning radiator before I purchased it, it would've put extra strain on the head gasket.
My exhaust does not seem to be blowing out white smoke, however, when the dipstick is lifted when the truck was running (just after about 2 miles of running) was puffing out white smoke at a steady rate.
I don't think any of the signs I have seen are normal. Could something else be wrong, is it a blown head gasket?
Let me know if you have any additional questions to help diagnose the issue.
Thanks,
John
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,555
Likes: 2,035
From: North Texas
Send an oil sample to Blackstone to see if you have coolant in the oil. 7.3 DIs really do not have HG issues. Mine shoots some smoke from the dipstick when running if not fully seated...you have a 300k engine that is 25 years old, normal to me.
Nothing wrong with a new radiator, I do not like them past 10-15 years old. Same with the hoses. I would feel like an ******* being stranded by a clapped hose when they are so inexpensive.
Make sure your heater core is not leaking, they do about every 10-15 years on these...replacement cost is about $25 and takes about 30 minutes to swap. My block heater element leaks slightly as the threads require sealant, news to me after I pulled mine to flush the block. Oops. When I R&R the coolant again, I will pull the element to reseal.
Nothing wrong with a new radiator, I do not like them past 10-15 years old. Same with the hoses. I would feel like an ******* being stranded by a clapped hose when they are so inexpensive.
Make sure your heater core is not leaking, they do about every 10-15 years on these...replacement cost is about $25 and takes about 30 minutes to swap. My block heater element leaks slightly as the threads require sealant, news to me after I pulled mine to flush the block. Oops. When I R&R the coolant again, I will pull the element to reseal.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 793
Likes: 29
FWIW, Blackstone's turn-around times are measured in weeks; two is common. If you need a shorter turn time on oil analysis, search for reputable labs that will do it in a few business days.
X-2 on the cooler o-rings first.
Another common leak point is the injector cup. So if the oil cooler does not stop the leak, focus on the injector cups. If one is bad, might as well do them all.
X-2 on the cooler o-rings first.
Another common leak point is the injector cup. So if the oil cooler does not stop the leak, focus on the injector cups. If one is bad, might as well do them all.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 284
From: NT, See you in the
Riff Raff's removal and installation tool is a must for an engine still in the truck. From what I understand if it were the injector cups you'd see fuel getting into the coolant, making the level rise in the degas bottle.
I'm betting it's the oil cooler. Reseal the oil cooler, top off with coolant and do a pressure test to see if it's still leaking down.
Like Hit Man X stated, the HG's are rarely an issue on these trucks in stock form.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dale Cooper
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jun 6, 2014 11:16 AM
mrbeasly007
1997 - 2003 F150
45
Oct 19, 2012 07:32 PM
Boss_358
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
5
Oct 20, 2009 09:22 PM
harley51185
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
Aug 5, 2005 05:27 PM
GoldenDually
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
7
Dec 20, 2003 06:55 PM
