[truckeejohn]

I am hoping someone can steer me in the correct direction. Noticed a diesel leak on the frame and traced it back to the radiator overflow tank. The seal on the tank was shot and a nice 1.5" layer of charcoal grayish diesel fuel was floating on top of the clean looking green coolant. Checked the oil and while clean looking was low, and I have never needed to add oil between changes.

I siphoned the diesel off the coolant and gave it another 10 miles driving and it is back again.

This is on a stock 2001 7.3L (no chips etc.) w/138k. I run oil analysis every other change and the reports have always come back reporting excellent. So this is kinda unexpected at 138K.

I am guessing its a headgasket, but I have never dealt with that on a diesel engine before. With a gas engine I noticed water contamination in the oil, white smoke out the exhaust, and loss of performance. None of which has been noticeable here. Is it the high compression forcing fuel into the cooling system? Any input would be so appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[truckeejohn]

Ok, I found the answer. Sorry for the repost to previously answered questions.

But while I'm asking, does anyone know what a cracked injector cup is gonna cost to have repaired? Or how much extra having them all replaced would cost? Thanks again!

 

[truckeejohn]

Update

Since nobody seemed to have a response I will update it myself now that I have had the repair done.

I had a range of estimates from $2400 down to $900. I ended up going with one that cost $1600. I chose this one due to his knowledge about the situation and his experience. This covered replacing all of the injector cups ...not just the damaged one since one was bad more were soon to follow. This was from Reno, NV and costs do vary.

 

[miltonos]

Was just through Reno on 4/03/2009 with the same problem. 2002 7.3L PS in an Excursion. Had been causing me fits for several days trying to figure out where my fuel leak was. Stopped in Fallon for fuel and noticed my radiator overflow tank was filled to the max, had been somewhat low. Took off the cap and low-and-behold it had a layer of diesel floating on the coolant. Went on line and found out what would be the source of the diesel in the coolant..major bummer.

I think the price you got was very reasonable. I will be checking a few places out here in Denver but I am feeling this is something I am going to do myself to save some coin.

Hope your fix remains good.