Evening guys.............. I'm new to the diesel world so I have a bit of a problem. I recently purchased a 1990 F350 7.3 non turbo diesel. The gentleman I bought it from said it pushed the number 4 head gasket out. Exactly what does he mean by this I am not sure. Was told it was leaking water on the passenger side in the rear of the block/head area. What would of caused this to occur? It only has a 130,000 miles on the vehicle. It was used to pull a race car a lot but nothing abnormal for a diesel. Any suggestions or help anyone may be able to give this newbie would be greatly appreciated. Just wanting to know what the chances of just a head gasket failure or what to look for if the liner is bad or what not. Hope someone can give me some inside infor to these magnificent beasts. Kind of pressed for time since "Cruising the Coast" is around the corner.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
Charles
1966 Ford F100 460 w/ 6-71 roots blower
1966 Ford F100 300 w/3spd.

 

This may have caused the problem if there is one......
Do you know when to service your CDR valve?

All 6.9L and 7.3L diesel engines are equipped with a CDR (Crankcase Depression Regulator) valve. Even the new 7.3L Power Stroke is also equipped with the same valve. The CDR valve is one of the leading causes of head gasket failure in these engines. The CDR valve is responsible for controlling the pressure/vacuum in the engine crankcase, and seperating the oil mist from the air and returning the oil to the crankcase. The CDR valve should be serviced every second oil change or when signs listed below are seen.

When the CDR valve is not properly serviced, engine oil enters the air intake and is drawn into the engine. The diesel engine will burn this oil as fuel, however, it is heavier and thicker than diesel fuel and, having greater BTU output, causes excessive heat in the cylinder. Due to the intake manifold design, most of the oil will migrate to #7 and #8 cylinders; the last two cylinders in the rear by the firewall. The increased temperature here will cause the cylinder head to lift off the gasket and allow water or oil to leak out the back of the cylinder head where it meets the block.

To check your CDR valve, remove the air cleaner hold down bolt and inspect it. If the bolt is covered with engine oil mist, it's time to service your CDR valve!

To service the CDR wash with a solvent, allow to dry, do not use compressed air to dry. There is a small hole in the CDR back cover, ensure it is clean and open. If black chunks of rubber are visible in the intake, on the screen then the rubber membrane has disintegrated, replace the CDR. Ford calls this item a "Adapter assembly for Crankcase Ventilation" Part number E3TZ-6A665-A IH part #1805319C1


Engine info......
Cylinder numbers are assigned 1,3,5,7 on the left(passenger) bank from front of truck to back, and 2,4,6,8 on the driver's side, front to back. Firing order is 1,2,7,3,4,5,6,8.

Try to find out which one the PO thought was #4................#7 or #8.

 

I must say thanks for the knowledge you have extended my way............The leakeage occured at #7 (passenger side rear cylinder). Is this a common occurance? What could be done to remedy the problem to get her running? Would it be as simple as changing the head gasket and cleaning her up, or are there other things I need to look at?

Once agian Thank You greatly for the help.

Charles

 

It sounds like the engine is not running now or you have not run it since buying. Myself I would do a compression test to acertain what the compression is on the cylinders and if #7 is lower than the rest. Testing on a cold engine will give decreased numbers. Before cranking over the engine with the starter, check the engine rotates fully 2 complete turns of the crank by using the crankshaft bolt and a socket 15/16" and ratchet/bar. Disconnect the FSS (fuel shutoff solenoid) on the drivers side front of the IP before rotating engine....safety first

Replacing the head gasket pax side head is a real PITA, in fact changing any head gasket in truck is a tough job....

 

The gentleman that it was bought from didnt run it after the gasket problem occured........he wanted a new truck anywya so he went and bought one. Is this a common problem with these engines?

 

No not common, but can happen as stated in the article. I would if you have the ability pull the engine and do both head gaskets. this would allow you to get heads inspected. I would also not attempt a start since no start has been initiated for so long. I would suspect coolant may have gone into the cylinder, I would also drain the oil see if coolant is in the pan from bypassing the piston rings if it was in the cylinder.

You will require a good long arm crane of minimum load capacity 1000lbs and an engine stand of 1000lb capacity, you can rent or buy them.