Time For A Head Gasket?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by JimmyWells, Sep 30, 2017.

  1. JimmyWells

    JimmyWells Road Train Member

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    Got some coolant leaking between the head and block. Is this the head gasket leaking? IMG_20170930_114702.jpg IMG_20170930_114651.jpg
     
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  3. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    Could be.
    First check it's not coming from somewhere else like the coolant line on the front of head coming from air compressor . Any coolant leak on a E will go and run along between head and block then run down making it look like a head gasket.
     
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  4. cjb logistics

    cjb logistics Heavy Load Member

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    Looks like head gasket with all the different places it is leaking. Have you run an oil sample to rule out it has not made it into engine yet. I had a Detroit 60 series in a boat running hot injectors, leaked externally for years around the head. Not saying you shouldn't look into this ASAP; but it may very well not be bad yet.
     
  5. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Like Swaan said, just make sure it isn't leaking from somewhere else and just running down and along the head/block line. Other than that, sadly, it does look like a head gasket.
     
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  6. JimmyWells

    JimmyWells Road Train Member

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    I've looked around and can't see anything. Strange how it's leaking at numerous spots on both sides of the block almost right where the head bolts go through. Just an overhaul done almost a year ago too. I'm taking it to CAT this time.
     
  7. Alaska76

    Alaska76 Road Train Member

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    If that is the case, the head bolts may be lacking a thread sealant (if one is required? Or the threads and bolts holes were not cleaned properly) and/or they were not torqued properly. Also, many engines have torque to yield bolts which require new bolts when the gasket/head is replaced, otherwise they fail completely or proper torque is not achieved when used. There are a lot of small details that can ruin a head gasket/head replacement.
     
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  8. cjb logistics

    cjb logistics Heavy Load Member

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    Bolts don't need sealant, gasket is a 360 seal.
    Ak 76 could be right and bolts lost their torque due to installer did not clean liquid out bolt holes and then over time seeped out loosening torque.
     
  9. JimmyWells

    JimmyWells Road Train Member

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    I specifically told them to use new head bolts during reinstallation and he swore up and down that it wasn't necessary. I guess we'll find out soon enough.
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2017
  10. cjb logistics

    cjb logistics Heavy Load Member

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    Go goggle torq spec for your engine; pull the valve cover and see if they move at specified torque.
     
  11. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    If the spacerplate was reused and the surface of block and head wasn't cleaned properly or deck of block or head isn't level you will have seepage. I will bet it is seeping between the spacerplate and block where the tin gasket goes not headgasket. It is normal on a block with alot of miles on it. Did they use the new water grommets? They seal better than the black rubber ones. The only way to stop the seeping is to deck the block and use a new spacerplate with loctite #5923 gasket dressing. You spread it on both sides of tin gasket. It is recommended by cat on older engines. Let me add the loctite can be used without decking the block but only if it is with in specs.
     
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