Head Gasket?
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Head Gasket?
Hey guys I have a question, but I think I already have the answer.
About a 2 weeks ago I found a small puddle of coolant under my truck but couldn't tell where it was coming from (the truck had been parked for a few days while I installed a new audio system). I checked the level but it was still okay, so I thought I would keep an eye on it and try to find the leak.
Until yesterday it looked like the problem had some how disappeared: no more coolant leak.
Then today I noticed a strange noise from the truck so I pulled over and popped the hood. There was no coolant in the plastic reservoir, so I slowly unscrewed the cap. As I did gas escaped from the tank and coolant started to fill it. I tightened the lid slightly so the coolant wouldn't spill out. The gas finally stopped and the coolant level was less than the last time i checked it (about half way from min to the bottom).
Heres the vital info:
model: 03 Excursion 6.0
miles: 55,000
mods: Air-Aid, 4" turbo back no cat
The truck never overheated according to the factory gauge.
Bob
About a 2 weeks ago I found a small puddle of coolant under my truck but couldn't tell where it was coming from (the truck had been parked for a few days while I installed a new audio system). I checked the level but it was still okay, so I thought I would keep an eye on it and try to find the leak.
Until yesterday it looked like the problem had some how disappeared: no more coolant leak.
Then today I noticed a strange noise from the truck so I pulled over and popped the hood. There was no coolant in the plastic reservoir, so I slowly unscrewed the cap. As I did gas escaped from the tank and coolant started to fill it. I tightened the lid slightly so the coolant wouldn't spill out. The gas finally stopped and the coolant level was less than the last time i checked it (about half way from min to the bottom).
Heres the vital info:
model: 03 Excursion 6.0
miles: 55,000
mods: Air-Aid, 4" turbo back no cat
The truck never overheated according to the factory gauge.
Bob
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Freshman User
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Thank you for the reply BowTieHatr.
Should i buy a kit and do it myself or do you think I should just take it to the dealer?
The diagnostic is ~$150 but they refund it (minus deductible) if covered by warranty.
Should i buy a kit and do it myself or do you think I should just take it to the dealer?
The diagnostic is ~$150 but they refund it (minus deductible) if covered by warranty.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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Originally Posted by BobsX
The diagnostic is ~$150 but they refund it (minus deductible) if covered by warranty.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,725
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From: Florence,SC
to be honest, i would take it to the dealer because it could be a egr cooler which is warranty, but if it is hoses or water pump, it might not be warranty.
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Freshman User
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Bowtiehatr, I took your advise and took it to the dealer. They've had it a few days but can't find the leak. On top of that the service writer keeps calling me to do a 60k service.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 886
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From: NC
Dead gasket leak?
I have a 2005 6.0 and my head gasket is leaking oil. Oil is all over the side of the motor and Ford wants to take the head gasket off. Well first they want to take the body off to get to the motor and then pull the head off and put a new gasket on it. Would you guys let them do it or leave it alone. There is a nasty rumor that if ford starts fooling with it then it will give problems. So far I have no problems and it is awesome! Please help guys
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
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From: Middleburg, FL
Well, the oil leak isn't going to stop unless you get it fixed and it will probably only get worse. Pulling the cab off to gain engine access is fairly common. I would ask how often they've done this. It sounds like they know what they're doing and if they've done this numerous times, I don't see any problem with letting them go ahead and fix it.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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It is a big job to pull the head... however, there is no high pressure oil going through the headgasket, so an oil leak there is possible, but highly unlikely. I'd certainly recommend a shampoo and dye check before going with a headgasket leak. Without seeing your truck first, I'd guess that you have a glowplug harness leak.
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They've put the senior diesel tech on it. He said it's passed the tests but he thinks its a head gasket, he's gonna personally look at it tomorrow. Good guy seemed knowledgeable, but man I miss my truck.