Blown Head Gasket? Parents Stuck....
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 219
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
Blown Head Gasket? Parents Stuck....
Just got a call from parents from a pay phone (no cell service). They are currently camping up in the Sierras (King' s Canyon) Calif.
Symptoms
04 F250 6.0L
Under 100k miles
Noticed dripping of anti-freeze from the rear pass side of the engine. Said it looked to be towards the manifold. He did not say intake or exhaust.
Oil is not milky from what he can see.
Sound like a HG?
They are working on a tow out. First tow truck was not large enough since they have a cabover camper.
Symptoms
04 F250 6.0L
Under 100k miles
Noticed dripping of anti-freeze from the rear pass side of the engine. Said it looked to be towards the manifold. He did not say intake or exhaust.
Oil is not milky from what he can see.
Sound like a HG?
They are working on a tow out. First tow truck was not large enough since they have a cabover camper.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 219
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
I hope this is the case. I will pass the info along when they give me a call back and have him take a look. This would be a much cheaper/easier fix.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
Dripping fluid doesn't warrant a tow.
It doesn't sound like it's undriveable.
If they can keep the fluids up, just stay on top of whatever is leaking, it's just fine just to drive it down the hill. It'll run cool anyway.
They'll have cell service then too.
No need for a tow for a coolant leak.
If it's a gusher like a broken hose, then patch it up before the descent.
Make sure the engine is worthy and won't shut down.
It doesn't sound like it's undriveable.
If they can keep the fluids up, just stay on top of whatever is leaking, it's just fine just to drive it down the hill. It'll run cool anyway.
They'll have cell service then too.
No need for a tow for a coolant leak.
If it's a gusher like a broken hose, then patch it up before the descent.
Make sure the engine is worthy and won't shut down.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Often in a situation like this, the leak can be slowed down by leaving the coolant cap very loose or even off until repairs can be made. They will be checking very often and adding water often anyway. This will prevent the cooling system from building pressure and can reduce the rate of leakage.
A couple of other points. Don't be tempted to use any type of stop leak in these engines. It can settle in the oil cooler and make an expensive repair. After repairs are made, it is important to use the correct coolant. Common green antifreeze is not the right stuff.
A couple of other points. Don't be tempted to use any type of stop leak in these engines. It can settle in the oil cooler and make an expensive repair. After repairs are made, it is important to use the correct coolant. Common green antifreeze is not the right stuff.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
Rusty is giving you (your folks) some good advice. If at all possible have them pick up distilled water to add to the system.
I was actually able to rep fiznUKa for that quick response...
If they are heading towards Sacramento on I-80 and need to stop at a dealer/mechanic for repair, the one I'd trust on their route down I-80 towards Sacto is Future Ford in Roseville -- they have a commercial side of their repair biz and were the ones that finally fixed my truck, after tons of trips to Auburn Ford. It is only 15-20 miles further to get to techs that know their stuff...
If it was a more complex issue I'd say send them to Imler Diesel in Sacto., they are one of the best Ford diesel shops anywhere near here...
I'm not too far from I-80 and have some Ford Gold concentrate coolant and also some distilled water and could meet them close to the freeway and give it a quick look and give them what I have, so they can get to a qualified shop. PM me if that is something that would help...
Good luck to them!
Scott
I was actually able to rep fiznUKa for that quick response...
If they are heading towards Sacramento on I-80 and need to stop at a dealer/mechanic for repair, the one I'd trust on their route down I-80 towards Sacto is Future Ford in Roseville -- they have a commercial side of their repair biz and were the ones that finally fixed my truck, after tons of trips to Auburn Ford. It is only 15-20 miles further to get to techs that know their stuff...
If it was a more complex issue I'd say send them to Imler Diesel in Sacto., they are one of the best Ford diesel shops anywhere near here...
I'm not too far from I-80 and have some Ford Gold concentrate coolant and also some distilled water and could meet them close to the freeway and give it a quick look and give them what I have, so they can get to a qualified shop. PM me if that is something that would help...
Good luck to them!
Scott
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
They'll have two ways down the hill from Kings Canyon.
Best way is stay on 180 heading towards Fresno, forgo the Southern route (General's Highway) down to Visalia/Tulare. 180 is quicker to the valley floor. The other way will just get you into trouble (being in limp mode).
Best way is stay on 180 heading towards Fresno, forgo the Southern route (General's Highway) down to Visalia/Tulare. 180 is quicker to the valley floor. The other way will just get you into trouble (being in limp mode).
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 219
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
They made it down the hill and back into cell range. Looks like the EGR Cooler hose.
Thanks again everyone for the help!
Once it's fixed they can continue one w/ their month long trip.
Thanks again everyone for the help!
Once it's fixed they can continue one w/ their month long trip.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 219
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
Thanks! Passed this along to them.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
Just remember to share the love, brother -- some folks here both had a good feel for the problem, and then there are the ones that also actually passed geography... 
Pass around some reps to those guys -- they are worth their weight in gold...
Glad it turned out well for the folks
Scott
Pass around some reps to those guys -- they are worth their weight in gold...
Glad it turned out well for the folks
Scott
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