Why are my head gaskets on my Duramax truck failing?
Why are my head gaskets on my Duramax truck failing?
One of the common issues we see with the Duramax engines is head gasket failures. The gaskets in all years of 6.6 Duramax pickups are a multi-layer steel style gasket. Over time as the head/block surfaces warp and the strength of the head bolts weaken, the head can lift causing combustion pressure to go directly into the coolant system.
Can a head gasket failure cause engine coolant loss?
The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information on engine coolant loss on 2002-2016 GM 6.6L Duramax diesel engines. It is important to note that not all instances of coolant loss on these engines is the result of head gasket failure.
What causes a coolant leak in a Duramax engine?
Failure to inspect the EGR cooler for leaks may lead to a misdiagnosis for coolant entering the combustion chamber. Previously, An EGR cooler pressure tester adapter set, EN-48974, was shipped essential to dealers in December 2007 to diagnose EGR cooler engine coolant leaks on all Duramax™ engines equipped with an EGR system.
What happens if the coolant cap is stuck?
If the cap is stuck, it will cause a collapsed hose when cool. If any doubt replace the cap. I don’t think you have a head gasket problem. The reason for the pressure– is to raise the boiling point of the coolant –to operate the engine at a higher temperature for emissions, engine life, and economy.
How to tell if you have bad head gaskets on your Duramax?
Once the truck is shut off, the gasket is still able to seal the low pressure coolant system from entering the cylinder. There has to be a fairly extreme failure to let coolant into the cylinders through the head gasket.
If the cap is stuck, it will cause a collapsed hose when cool. If any doubt replace the cap. I don’t think you have a head gasket problem. The reason for the pressure– is to raise the boiling point of the coolant –to operate the engine at a higher temperature for emissions, engine life, and economy.
How much pressure should I put on my coolant tank?
The cooling system runs up to 15 lbs of pressure– and should release any pressure over that. The cap also is suppose to let air back into the system as it cools off. If the cap is stuck, it will cause a collapsed hose when cool. If any doubt replace the cap.
Is there a chance the coolant tank is bad?
The upper radiator hose is firm until I removed the cap, but and can still collapse it about half way with one hand. The coolant isnt bubbling or overflowing, just the tank must be expanding. I know most with jump right in without too much thought and say HEAD GASKETS but is there a chance the tanks cap is bad?
What happens if you have a bad head gasket?
If engine oil leaks past a faulty head gasket, blue smoke may come out of the exhaust pipe, as it’s burnt during the combustion process. This can be very bad news for the catalytic converter. If this is left to happen for an extended period, the catalytic converter can be ‘poisoned’ and require replacement.
Where does coolant come from in a blown head gasket?
A head gasket leaking external would cause coolant to come from below the intake or exhaust manifold and often only happens when the engine is completely warmed up.
Where does the head gasket go in an engine?
The bottom of the engine is much larger by volume, and is where the cylinders and pistons that convert fuel into forward motion live. For proper engine function, there must be an airtight seal between these two sections. Your head gasket ensures that seal is maintained, but after years of wear and use, gaskets can dry out, crack and fail.
What are the head gaskets on a Duramax?
The Duramax diesel engines came with three different grade thickness head gaskets. They are labeled A, B, or C. It is tough for most people to tell what gaskets they have before tearing the engine down. Some engines have a B on one side and an A on the other.
Is it common to have a head gasket leak?
Head gasket leak – common LML problem? My 2011 has had a slow leak for most of its life, never could find a leak. This last month I had a low coolant light come on a few times , added 1/2 gal.
How can I tell if my Duramax cylinder head is bad?
There is often a common concern that the compression ratio will change. It will not. The bottom of the head is flat with no combustion chamber. Surfacing the head area does not change the cylinder head to piston volume at all. The only thing that must be carefully checked is the piston to valve clearance.
Can you use ARP head studs on a Duramax?
The last question we get a lot about Duramax Diesel head gasket replacement is whether to use stock head bolts or ARP head studs. It really depends on what you are doing with the truck. If your truck is bone stock and you just use it for daily commuting and occasionally tow a small trailer, you will probably be safe with stock head bolts.
