After installing fire-rings I have an oil leak that seems to be coming from behind the pump at the front of the engine. Very hard to see. After a long trip, oil covers everything below it (steering box, front diff, oil pan, etc).
I have checked the following:
Compression test each cylinder. Competent diesel shop tested OK.
Have no compression in radiator. Competent diesel shop tested radiator.
Have no oil in radiator.
Have no water in oil.
Installed the 'Case valve cover breather' to equalize crankcase pressure. The crankcase breather tube still smokes continuously. The oil breather cap does the same thing when removed while running.

And here's the kicker......When the engine heater is plugged-in (only when plugged-in), you can hear a water movement sound behind the firewall (near the heater core) when it is first started in the morning. It goes away/ clears-up once the RPMS raise.

Is this the headgasket?

I am no longer living near a competant diesel mechanic, and am trying to keep from pulling the head.

I appreciate any and all thoughts on this dilema.

 

any ideas fellas? I'm at a loss.

 

Could be the side cover/tappet cover.
Mine was leaking like a SOB.
Also fuel pumps there too

 

Thanks .....That is something I have not thought about. I'll check it out.