Cummins N14 ate coolant. Locked up

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Kruse Family Farms, Mar 31, 2025.

  1. Kruse Family Farms

    Kruse Family Farms Light Load Member

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    Hey guys title says it all. I don't have any friends or coworkers in real life so here I am. I love my truck 2001 Freightliner classic xl. My engine supposedly had around 400k on an overhaul. Has been running excellent lately. But today I was cruising along when my oil pressure increased 5-10 psi which I found weird but thought it was an electrical glitch. Plan was to drive about ten miles till I could pull over. Didn't think it was dire. Well I was wrong. 8 miles later truck made a death raddle and I shut it down and coasted to the shoulder. Coolant was all over everything under the hood not sure if I lost my radiator or what couldn't even tell. Temp gauge was only around 195-200, I was pulling a big hill with 45k on so that wasn't abnormal. Anyways all that to say what are your recommendations for proceeding? I haven't even had time to pop a cover or take a close look at anything. I am leaning towards a full reman drop in and do it at home. Or maybe even a reman long block. Any places you suggest or any input would be appreciated. looking to get it back on the road ASAP. This rental sucks.
     
    austinmike Thanks this.
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  3. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    You may have ventilated it. Make sure your block is good so you have a better idea of core cost.

    Probably bettet off finding a complete engine used and having it overhauled, unless Cummins does a reman.

    I've heard bad things about most aftermarket remanufacturers, so no help there.
     
  4. JB7

    JB7 Heavy Load Member

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    Cummins ReCon Remanufactured Engines and Parts | Cummins Inc.
     
    Kruse Family Farms Thanks this.
  5. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Have you priced a Cummins reman? Long block is over 25k probably. Better get an used engine and do an overhaul.
    If coolant is all over, there gotta be a hole it all came out from.
    If it's just a radiator or a hose, why look for a new engine?
     
  6. Kruse Family Farms

    Kruse Family Farms Light Load Member

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    austinmike Thanks this.
  7. Kruse Family Farms

    Kruse Family Farms Light Load Member

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    I didn't put this in the post but I suspect it blew a head gasket on one of the heads and torched the internals. The engine won't turn over anymore with the starter. I am going to do some more inspection tomorrow. I had to get it off the interstate and grab a rental to finish my load. So I had other priorities today unfortunately. At a minimum I am betting it spun a bearing somewhere and scuffed some liners. I am honestly really shocked about the whole deal still.
     
    DUNE-T and austinmike Thank this.
  8. Kruse Family Farms

    Kruse Family Farms Light Load Member

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    I don't think I ruined the block but I haven't been able to look it all over closely. I am going to try to take sometime tomorrow to look it over a bit more when I'm not on the side of a busy interstate. I feel like I definitely ruined a lot of other parts, liners, pistons, bearings, heads etc. pretty bummed out.
     
  9. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    I'd be investigating a bit more before condemning it and dropping in a new engine.
     
  10. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Removing valve covers, oil pan, and exhaust manifold should give you a better clue.
     
    Kruse Family Farms Thanks this.
  11. Kruse Family Farms

    Kruse Family Farms Light Load Member

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    I definitely will be. But just it being stuck alone is pretty decent indicator of some major issues. Wish it wasn't but it is.
     
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