I have a 2018 Paccar mx13. My overflow tank has been spitting up coolant on and off. It dont spit out coolant constantly just every now and then. Had new radiator put in here recently. It was spitting up coolant before and even after the new radiator was installed. When it spits the coolant comes out. It's comes out the side breather cap on the side that has 15 psi. It's not coming out the top cap. I've been having my oil changed on a regular basis and checking every day. No sign of coolant in oil. Truck is running good and builds air just fine. My tank light will come on and stop engine will come on. But that is only because the tank is spitting up coolant and sensor is saying tank is low. It will do that for few seconds then go off. No check engine light or running hot. Temp gauge is staying at normal operating temp. Not sure what's going on just trying to get some ideas of what may be going on. I'm in the south area and most places I take it to other the dealer don't know much about paccar motors and act like they really don't want to mess with it. Can anyone help?
Overflow tank
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by BigDenali, Nov 6, 2024.
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Air compressor head/gasket is prone to leakage and air pressure entering cooling system. There are other possible causes, but this is the most common failure.
D.Tibbitt, blairandgretchen and skallagrime Thank this. -
Ok yes I seen a video showing a guy changing out the cylinder head and gaskets on the compressor. Showed that his had pretty much same symptoms mine was having. I appreciate the input. Thanks
Goodysnap Thanks this. -
My 2018 579 is pushing coolant when driving. Temp stays normal and have already put new head on air compressor. I’ve done a few block tests and no signs of combustion gases. I am at a loss of what else it could be.
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How old is the head? They can fail again over time. If you replace the entire compressor with a new Paccar one it is improved design. Larger head bolts with more clamp load on the head. Next thing to test is EGR cooler, but it should fail combustion test too if it’s leaking. Are you using a gas test for use with Diesel engines. Some of the automotive fluids will always show pass on Diesel.
JB7 Thanks this. -
Watch this video.
So it looks like a head and/or head gasket, possibly block.
Like @Goodysnap said:
Lisle 75730 Combustion Leak Indicating Fluid
is there a special fluid to test for diesel combustion gasses that differs from ones for gasoline engines?
Yes, there is a special fluid known as Lisle 75730 Combustion Leak Indicating Fluid that is specifically designed to detect combustion leaks in diesel engines. This fluid changes from red to yellow when exposed to diesel combustion gases, indicating a potential leak. It is not compatible with gasoline engines and should not be used with other combustion leak testers.
Lisle Corporation+2Last edited: Sep 27, 2025 at 11:28 PM
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