Did an out of frame on a 5EK 3406e. Had the block completely redone decked with water holes and lowers done. New head and spacer plate. Been running it and open the hood to check the oil and noticed oil seeping out of the back of the head. Never ran a cat before don’t know if that’s common or a bigger issue?
Thanks in advance
5EK Cat Back of Block/Head oil leak
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Asanchez, Dec 19, 2024.
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Seeing a few pictures would be extremely helpful here.
Where exactly on the back of the head?
There is a cam cover plate back there that can leak, and a large oil drain passage on the back left as well, all the engines newer than the 5EK use a rubber grommet to help seal this but the 5EK block has a larger drain hole cast in it that the rubber grommet cannot be used with so its just up to the spacer plate gasket to seal it.
Being the block was decked, the spacer plate gasket typically wont leak for quite a while, though it is a common issue on them if additional steps aren't taken while doing the head gasket to really seal thing up to prevent a external oil leak.
A spacer plate oil leak while unsightly and annoying is nothing to worry about if its just seeping. -
I can get a goo picture in the morning. I did put copper coat on the spacer plate gasket as a old cat mechanic told me it would help
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Also more seepage on on the exhaust some the the driver side. Need to get a good picture
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Good to know. New to cats so trying to figure them out
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Coolant dripping from between the head bottom and block deck is another common place due to corrosion (or cavitated ferrels) under the water grommets on the jackets is another ugly eyesore common to see.
Luckily neither issue will stop it from running or any major damage. Just sucks seeing it especially after a rebuild with fresh paint.
Sounds like you've already had them cut during your rebuild so you shouldn't see it for many years. They can also be corrected with Belzona (per CAT) but the cutting is better. -
Yup wasn’t happy seeing it but glad to know it no big issue. Just have to keep up with washing it lol. Runs strong and as long as it keep running that the main concernIamoverit Thanks this.
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It's pretty obvious when the paint is fresh. That paint will fade and eventually you won't even notice it anymore.
Asanchez Thanks this.
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