cavitation
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Joined: Jul 2005
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cavitation
What are the signs and symptoms of cavitation? I have a 92 7.3 idi, e40d,4x4 with 119,000 miles. Over the last couple of days it started leaking a small amount of radiator fluid, about 3-4 one inch circles after I park my truck. I am unsure were the fluid is coming from. I have inspected the entire engine and have found no leaks. the only area that has fluid is on the bottom of the starter, it is a little wet. I tested the coolent with the test strips from napa and the ph is 9.5 and the nitrate looks to be between 800-1200 (more towards 800). It is hard to tell with the nitate. The freezing point is -60. My coolent has not been changed in over 2 years and the truck has been running warmer than it normally does, even when the outside temperature is 0-20 deg. My truck runs great With the exception of running warmer than normal. Could this be the begining stages of something really bad!
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What is the best way to detect a possible head gasket leak? How about the water pump. If it is bad will it go quickly or will there be some more life in it. The water pump does not appear to be making any unusual noises at this time. Last question, how often should I change my coolent and what is the best type of additive to use. Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Manitoba
To find leaks on the heads and other places I have heard that baking soda sprinkled around will show leaks by turning the color of the A/F. Check under the water pump for any sign of a seal leak out of the small hole under the pulley. Not necessarily a bearing in the water pump, just the shaft seal so no noise persa.
Best A/F is any Low silicate which is standard old green A/F and distilled water in a 50/50 mix with 2 pints of VC8 Ford or Fleetguard DCA4 additive. I will change mine every 3 years maybe, depends on condition and mileage accumulated.
Best A/F is any Low silicate which is standard old green A/F and distilled water in a 50/50 mix with 2 pints of VC8 Ford or Fleetguard DCA4 additive. I will change mine every 3 years maybe, depends on condition and mileage accumulated.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Northeastern Pa - USA
The large truck dealerships will carry some type of coolant additive. Nalcool is one name usually carried by caterpillar and kenworth . NAPA also carries some type of coolant additive that does the same thing. You can also add a spin on type filter that contains the additive and disperses it as you drive.
The cavitation problem occurs while the engine is operating. It seems that the detonation of the fuel causes the air bubbles to erode the cylinder walls and in some occasions , the exterior block walls in the rear cylinders.
I would check the weep hole in the water pump first. You can bet that the fan is moving the coolant around.
The cavitation problem occurs while the engine is operating. It seems that the detonation of the fuel causes the air bubbles to erode the cylinder walls and in some occasions , the exterior block walls in the rear cylinders.
I would check the weep hole in the water pump first. You can bet that the fan is moving the coolant around.
