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I own an '04 f-250 with 48k miles on it. At 38k miles i had head gaskets, EGR cooler, all glow plugs on right side and a fuel pressure regulator replaced because I was smelling coolant inside the cab. 10k miles later I am smelling coolant in the cab again. My problem is #1. Do I want to keep this truck beyond the warranty or get rid of it in fear that I will have these problems again after it is up and have to pay out of pocket. Or #2, do I get the gaskets done again, this time with new studds and hope for the best knowing I just added a new entry on my oasis report(looking bad to a possible future buyer). I really love the truck and besides the problems listed above have had no other concerns. Does Anyone have a crystal ball?
I have 140K on mine, Have the dealer look at it, there is no reason that a cooler should go out again. Also if you run with the EGR unpluged it will help keep the cooler from going bad.
I would see another dealer if you have that option. Gaskets going again only sounds to me like they weren't done right the first time. I have only 22k on my 04 but i've beat the **** out of it since i got it with 13k and have no major problems yet.
I am not the original owner but the gaskets were done by my dealer. Those were my thoughts also, if I have them done again I would get them done somewhere else.
Since this is the second time, I'd have them check the heads to be sure they are within spec for flatness. I think I read on this site that anything over .002 out was cause for replacement but I'm not 100% on that...
Grab a flash light and look at the valley on the motor.I bet its wet. Head gaskets without coolant loss or overheating isn't the norm.If you aren't puking or missing coolant I would look else where first.
Just a thought, have you checked the heater core? It's not uncommon for the heater core to fail after head gasket issues. And it will give a coolant smell inside the cab.
Thanks for the replys guys. The truck goes to a different dealer for tests tommorow. I was assuming that when they did the gaskets last time they would check the heads for flatness but you never know anymore. You know what they say about assuming. You have all given me some things to think about and I appreciate it! Is it expensive to have the studds put in while they are in ther doing the gaskets under warranty. I think since I am so close to my warranty being up, it might be a good idea.