[NH2112]

I just got my oil analysis report from Blackstone, and it showe coolant in the oil, along with wear metals (most likely as a result of the coolant, they said.) Now, if I'm losing coolant it's very, VERY slowly, because it's been months since I've added any and the level in the radiator hasn't dropped discernibly. This, along with not seeing slime on the oil filler cap or radiator cap, leads me to believe it's not a leaking head gasket or cracked head.

So AFAIK the only thing I'm left with is pinholes from cavitation. Or is there another cause I'm leaving out? I'm guessing I can check by making an adapter with a ball valve to introduce shop air into the cylinders through the glow plug holes, and see which one(s) result in bubbles in the radiator. In any case, I don't plan on doing anything about it unless and until it starts using a lot more coolant or otherwise becomes unusable, and installing a good used engine will be more cost-effective. If I decide to keep the truck, that is.

 

[cdnsarguy]

and the level in the radiator hasn't dropped discernibly.

How about in the reservior......... it refills the rad every time you start and shut down......

Could be any number of places...... head gasket, water pump bolts, oil cooler "pack"....but not the O rings necessarily.

 

[NH2112]

The reservoir hasn't deviated from the "full cold" line since I replaced the radiator about 18-20 months ago. There's just no visible sign of coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant, so I think it must be coming from a very small leak - one that hasn't visibly lowered the coolant level in the radiator or overflow tank.

 

[cdnsarguy]

Possibly do a follow up test in 3 months with a different testing company to confirm/deny the problem......

 

[NH2112]

Good idea, got any recommendations? A site sponsor would be nice.

 

[LMJD]

When our shop needed an analysis the parts dept. took it to the Cat dealership to send in. Probably any local heavy truck dealership can tell you where they send theirs if you give them a call.

 

[NH2112]

Oh, I can just go to the aircraft maintenance guys in the next building over at work and see who they send their samples to, I was just curious if there's a lab that's a site sponsor.

 

[bberry09]

Idk if somewhat the same or not but my buddy had a 6.0 and his injector cups were cracked and that was the cause of it. He also had two injectors that seized up due to it. Im new to diesel world so im not sure.

 

[chuckster57]

Idk if somewhat the same or not but my buddy had a 6.0 and his injector cups were cracked and that was the cause of it. He also had two injectors that seized up due to it. Im new to diesel world so im not sure.

Totally different animal. The IDI uses mechanical injectors, no oil is involved. No injector cups to leak.

 

[chuckster57]

Oh, I can just go to the aircraft maintenance guys in the next building over at work and see who they send their samples to, I was just curious if there's a lab that's a site sponsor.

Haven't seen any mention of a site sponsor, Blackstone seems to be the lab of choice here.

 

[NH2112]

Well the extreme heat we've had the past few days had me smelling coolant once the truck got warmed up, and this morning I had to add about 3 quarts to get the level in the radiator up near the filler neck. When it got up there I saw flecks of engine oil floating on the coolant, so it looks like I'll be resealing the oil cooler next weekend. There's still no visible sign of coolant in the engine oil so I'm guessing most of the coolant is leaking externally. The engine oil is about a quart low when just last weekend it was full, which makes me even more certain I'm not dealing with a head gasket leak, cracked head, or cavitation pinholes.

 

[Kevin 007]

Wouldn't hurt to retorque the heads

 

[NH2112]

There is that, maybe I'll do that this weekend after work.