[greenskeeper79]

My BIL picked up an 04 yesterday with 144k miles. Zero blowby when removing the oil filter cap.

First problem there is a coolant leak at the GP on the passenger side. Only leaks when sitting cold and isn't enough to make a spot on the driveway. The leak goes away while the engine is running.

I told him at the worst case he needs a new head, and while in there he should bulletproof the engine engine.

Prior to going that far, is there an o-ring or anything that can be checked?

I've never worked on a 6.0 but have two 7.3s sitting in my driveway.

 

[TKOPerformance]

Nope, glow plug sleeves are pressed into the head. If there's a leak at the very least there's an issue with the sleeve to head seal, but a cracked head is a possibility. I don't know that any repair is possible with the head on the engine in the truck.

 

[greenskeeper79]

thanks. he bought the truck $5k under budget so he has funds for repairs thankfully.

 

[greenskeeper79]

He drove the truck about 300 miles and the coolant level hasn't gone down a bit. Just wet now around the glow plug. Hooked up to my AE and the coolant/oil temps never exceed 5 degrees difference during level driving.

 

[TKOPerformance]

That tells you that the oil cooler is good, but doesn't mean there isn't a problem in the head, or even a blown HG. You would have to monitor system pressure in the cooling system as you drive. If you see pressure rise with throttle input, or if you see pressure in excess of 14-15psi something's leaking pressure into the cooling system. Now if it still has an EGR cooler it could also be a cracked EGR cooler, but if that's gone then its definitely a head or HG.

 

[LBraun]

That coolant leak could be from the small hose at the end of the EGR cooler. Leaks there often happen when the truck is cold and go away after it is warmed up. Look in front and under the turbo for that 2' long hose. If there is coolant under it, you may have found the leak.

Some folk have been able to replace this hose without a large amount of disassembly.