2010 Cummins isx burning coolant

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Thetrashnoob, Aug 25, 2025.

  1. Thetrashnoob

    Thetrashnoob Light Load Member

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    I’ve got a 2010 t800 with a Cummins isx. Bought the truck a few months ago but it’s been sitting. Finally getting around to getting it roadworthy. Took it out for a short ride about 20 min. While driving it was puffing white smoke, and the coolant level alarm came on. When I got back the coolant reservoir was empty, so I added 2.5 gallons or so. Took it for a ride again and same thing. Coolant is getting into the exhaust and being burnt. from some quick research it can be many things; head gasket dropped liner, egr cooler.
    Service records show the truck has had coolant loss issues in the past, it’s been pressure tested, no loss, ruled out internal/external leak. Radiator has been replaced.
    I am thinking it’s possibly EGR cooler? I would like to start trying to diagnose so I can figure out if it is the cooler I can send it to the mechanic to replace it, but know it won’t be cheap.
    any suggestions?
     
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  3. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    2.5 gallons in a short ride like that is alot of coolant to be an egr cooler. Especially if its burning it out the stacks like that its most likely going to be a cracked head or dropped liner which took out the head gasket...

    U can check the egr cooler by pulling the rear clamp off and checking to see if there is sludge material inside. It will also make its way back to your intake manifold as well...

    But i hate to say these isx are all known for cracked heads and blown head gaskets.
     
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  4. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Pull air to air hose off at the intake and look down to see if the pipe is soaked with coolant from the egr cooler mixing pipe.
     
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  5. Thetrashnoob

    Thetrashnoob Light Load Member

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    The oil level hasn’t changed and it doesn’t look like it’s going in the oil. It doesn’t appear to be leaking out of the reservoir from pressure build up. It’s most certainly coming out the exhaust, but it’s not constant. I talked to a few people that said head gasket, but based on the pressure test I don’t believe that it is, but I would have to pressure test it myself to verify.
     
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  6. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    They don't always mix with oil, Ive had 2 trucks like that . First one was head gasket , I'm still tearing down the 2nd one. Same symptoms you have. I had a buddy couple years ago that was blowing it out the stacks like that on a 08 isx and it was cracked head.. There's only so many ways for coolant tto make it into combustion, and knowing how the isx is, it's most likely what u will find as well
     
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  7. Thetrashnoob

    Thetrashnoob Light Load Member

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    I’m trying to diagnose to see if it’s even worth putting money into or not… I have a feeling it’s needed a rebuild but don’t know if it’s worth putting 30k into.
     
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