Here it goes? over heating?

[Diesel JD]

Man I think you probably have an external head gasket leak. Clean off the block real well and get a cooling system block tester and see where your leak(s) are. Do you have a real gauge or still the factory gauge? Normal range is 190-212*F. Warmed up. If you had a head gasket leak the biggest sign is dumping coolant like crazy. Also if it is antifreeze...you will smell this sickening sweet pungent odor around the tailpipe and wherever the smoke is.

 

[h2odrx]

the weird part is it is not leaking? does not smoke while running? i did notice was running today there is more oil in it now still black and slick? does blow by cause over heating?

 

[OkieGringo]

oh Crap, more oil? I'm thinkin' oil cooler leak letting water into the oil. That's where water is going. Some into oil, some out side of block? OG

the weird part is it is not leaking? does not smoke while running? i did notice was running today there is more oil in it now still black and slick? does blow by cause over heating?

 

[h2odrx]

i would belive that but it still looks like oil, and after it shuts down it goes back to normal? would blow by cause this?

 

[cscmc1]

Any word on your troubles? I am going to look at a truck with similar issues this weekend... 6.9L that overheats but does not appear to be leaking or burning coolant. Strange! I just want a cheap diesel pickup to run WVO in, and these engines look to be pretty darned nice. Is it safe to assume that a worst-case scenario is probably warped head(s)? Anyone paid to have these machined, or know what it might run a guy to do so? Thanks in advance!

Chris

 

[Mr_Roboto]

Question one - did the truck overheat before you bought it?

One some vehicles it is possible to install the thermostat backwards, which would cause overheating. The spring must be on the motor side.

Barring that, I would change the water pump. The impeller fins can rust or wear away without the pump leaking.

These diesel radiators are plenty large, there has to be a good reason for it to overheat.

 

[Agnem]

Be sure the overheat is real, and not imagined. The IVR is responsible for a lot of "overheating".

 

[Mr_Roboto]

"have had to add water alot"

That would indicate at the least a leak. Either the coolant is leaking out and the engine is overheating when it gets low, or the motor is boiling off the coolant from overheating.

Now where or why is the question that needs answered...

 

[stiesel]

i think i saw another thread where h2odrx found the problem. broken head bolts.

 

[h2odrx]

well from what i see so far the pump is ok, i will rebuild the oil cooler but don't think it has anything to do with it? just want to make sure while it is all apart. two broken head bolts #1 and #10 on pass side just enough to let compression into the coolant and force water out of rad. i'll be taking heads to shop in the next day or so.

Chris,
what year is it? and if its cheap do it! just think you will add what you pay for it back in to it to get it where you know it is right !!

 

[cscmc1]

It's an 86, if memory serves. 6.9 for sure, 2wd. He's asking $500 but has had it for a while. If it looks halfway decent I'll make an offer and plan on making a project of it, maybe. I have a 98 Jetta TDI and have owned a couple old Mercedes diesels... I'm sold on these things! I'd like to try a WVO conversion with a beater truck, so this might be just the ticket. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[cscmc1]

Be sure the overheat is real, and not imagined. The IVR is responsible for a lot of "overheating".

OK, I give. What's the "IVR?" Owner of the truck I might go look at says it got hot enough to pop the block heater right out!


Thanks again for all the advice!

 

[h2odrx]

IVR = instrument voltage regulator

as for poping the block heater out. make sure it is not cracked? these trucks can take alot but for $500 a project is a project, talk him down?

PS Welcome to the site you will find alot of your questions answered in the tech art.. if not post here these guys have alot of great info!!!!

 

[cscmc1]

Thanks, h20drx! I'll definitely be doing some reading in the FAQ and plenty of searches had already been performed. If the truck is halfway decent I'll probably offer $350 or $400 and see if I can haul it home. I don't mind tinkering and it'll be a nice learn-as-you-go project. Thanks again for the advice and the welcome to the site!

 

[Joe Mc]

If the CC has a manual transmission, check for a cracked firewall. It is an easier and cheaper repair.