Coolant issue

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by 85COE, Jun 16, 2021.

  1. 85COE

    85COE Light Load Member

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    Okay, I understand it's nigh-impossible to diagnose an issue without having it in front of you, but I am only looking for speculation. I am not a gear-head (as evidenced by my post history), but I suspect something with this truck.

    2015 Int'l ProStar with Cummins Engine -- 566,xxx miles - had a total rebuild around 500k, and a new head put on about 20k miles ago. Was going through coolant then, just not as bad.


    drinking coolant - as in, i put 1 1/2 gal in, went 110 miles, truck sat for the weekend, during my PTI, put in another 2 gal. Next day, put in just over a gal, etc. Turbo blew, got it replaced, was still drinking. Noticed a small puddle, went into the shop, had a couple of lines replaced, they pressure tested it, said no leaks.

    They (said they) put in 2 gal, and I added about another half. Go home, get stuff ready to head out for the week, then off to get loaded. Shop to my house = 12 miles. My house to pickup = 137 miles. Add a gal at shipper (after sitting for a couple of hours, so engine was cooled down some, but not cold). Start driving. Make it about 140 miles, and stop for the night.

    This morning, added in close to a gallon.

    Boss is adamant it is something external, but I am not smelling any, there are no puddles, and no smoke from the exhaust.


    Also, he told me not to post here inquiring because apparently the internet cannot be trusted. My 40+ year long O/O uncle hasn't answered, so unable to ask him.

    I suspect there is an internal issue, but the boss is 100% certain it is not internal.

    With what I've told you, if this were to happen to you, what would you think it is?
     
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  3. Mike250rs

    Mike250rs Heavy Load Member

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    Aside from the obvious places like in oil/fuel/ etc.. check you air tanks for coolant.
     
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  4. 85COE

    85COE Light Load Member

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    It is not getting into the oil, and none is spitting out of the air tanks. As for getting into the fuel, do you mean into the tanks themselves or into the cylinders?
     
  5. slow pok

    slow pok Light Load Member

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    Egr coolent manifold is cracked. Common
     
  6. Mike250rs

    Mike250rs Heavy Load Member

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    Internally mostly. Did they put in new injectors?
     
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  7. 85COE

    85COE Light Load Member

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    This I am not sure of. It was rebuilt before I started here
     
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  8. 85COE

    85COE Light Load Member

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    Where would it be going?

    edit: by that i am asking what is happening to the coolant
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2021
    Reason for edit: clarification
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  9. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    this is what you get when you have joe blow doing your work. a real in frame or out frame would have fixed building the engine
     
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  10. 85COE

    85COE Light Load Member

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    It's my understanding that this mechanic has worked with my boss for years, and used to work on tanks in the army (because that's important enough to tell me?)
     
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  11. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    well his work is showing. i bet same head bolts
     
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