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?
2010 Cummins isx burning coolant
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Thetrashnoob, Aug 25, 2025.
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ISX How To Check Your EGR Cooler For Leaks by Rawze
Flat Rate Master: 5 tools to find head gasket failures | Vehicle Service Pros
A lot of shops won't have a 4 gas analyzer or the adaptor and scope to check for pulsation in the cooling system.Thetrashnoob Thanks this. -
I am hoping I can do some diagnostic myself before sending it to the shop, it may not even be worth sending to the shop depending what the repair cost will be. Just trying to weight my options
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Remove vent line to radiator, install clear line in plave for test, fill system, drive around or put up on high idle, look at clear line with shop light or flashlight, look for air bubbles, b4 and after tstat opens, no air, look at outlet of egr cooler for moisture. If has air in line bypass air comp water plumbing, retest, make sure unit has no air operated controls in cooling system. Then if still has air, head or bigger problems, but you could also pull exhaust back and check ports to pinpoint. If it uses that much coolant, dpf problems will be in near future
D.Tibbitt Thanks this. -
If the EGR cooler is dumping coolant aft of the turbo it's going to destroy the precious metals in the One-Box with the corrosive characteristics of the coolant and you'll be looking at a significant cost sooner rather than later. Much sooner. My 2016 DD15 and I went down this road and the One-Box was over $10,000 just for the part.
I can't recall although I owned a 2012 ISX 600hp with a full DEF system, but If this engine has a history of losing coolant and it's a full SRC system your likely already on your way to that. Not to mention an EGR Cooler. I did that on my Detroit a year ago and they're near $3,000 now, too. -
This truck doesn’t have a one box. The truck has a history of losing coolant due to external leaks ie radiator, hoses ect. I do believe that it’s possible the egr is now leaking. I gotta try to check and see if it is.
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Detroit has a tool where you disconnect the EGR Valve and the front of the EGR Cooler and it basically seels it off. And it has an air attachment and a pressure gauge so you connect a compressed air source and charge it up to determine if its leaking. Maybe Cummins has the same
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