After getting to work today, I noticed a large oil puddle under my truck. I popped the hood and my worst fears are true: Oil in the radiator/overflow bottle. Of course, my first fear was the head gasket, but after searching around, I read that a faulty oil cooler can show the same signs. Where is the oil cooler, and how do I check to see if its causing the problem? The truck did overheat on me a few months ago due to a stuck thermostat, so I'm guessing its the head gasket, but I don't want to pull the head until I'm darn sure I exhausted all other possibilities. I also read that theres a 50/50 shot that the head is cracked. How many of you guys have experienced a cracked head after a blown head gasket? I want to get this thing fixed right the first time and not have to worry about it again so I'll probably end up o-ringing/studs/marine gasket as well. Doesn't this figure? I've got a beautiful new GB transmission sitting in the crate in the garage waiting to go in and this happens TIA for any advice/help you can offer!

MIke

 

it's probably cracked...

BUT, I doubt the cracks are causing oil in the coolant. sounds like a blown head gasket

 

I've seen at least a couple of oil coolers do that. It's a lot easier to get at, so I'd look at it first. It's located right where the oil filter mounts, but inside the block. Having it out will help when you're cleaning all the goop out of the block anyway.

 

Does anyone have the part # for the oil cooler on our trucks? I'd like to give that a try before tearing into the head gasket. TIA

MIke

 

Is there a procedure to pressure test it instead of buying a new one?

 

I am having the same issue with oil in the coolant. I changed the oil cooler and flushed the coolant and i am still getting oil in the coolant. Please let me know if anyone can help pinpoint the problem.

 

just look at it this way, once you get your head and gasket fixed and your new tranny in, you will be one happy dude

 

Mine did the same thing and its the HG. My questions is, how does the oil get in the coolant if the cooler starts leaking anyways?

 

If i was going to test it , i would find a way to put a few lbs of compressed air to it , seal off one end , and see if it holds the air...

 

I'm with Forest on this one. Truth be known, most heads are cracked. Between the valves is a weak spot. A lot of folks have reinstalled the cracked heads and are still going. I know truck runnin around with a cracked piston. Still going.

..PT..

 

Guess I should post up some progress. I got the head off the truck a few days ago and I could actually see where the head gasket had blown and was leaking in between 3 of the small coolant galleys that run into the head. This also would explain the "gasket sealer" material that was on my radiator cap when I took it off the first time. It also looks as if the head gasket was blown between cylinders #4 and #5 and leaking in between. I'm taking a chance and seeing if I can salvage my head *fingers crossed*. As soon as my 60lb exhaust springs and studs get here the head is going to the machine shop to get checked out. I guess I have to look at it on the positive side: Head will be studded/o-ringed/marine gasket/370's installed, and be up to the task of a 4kgsk and/or exhaust brake when I'm done. Not to mention, I shouldn't have to worry about it ever again. Once I do all of this and get the new tranny installed, I'll have a new truck!!! I'll keep everyone posted on what the machine shop says about the head. Thanks again for everyone's advice!

MIke

 

One more thing to remember. When you O ring the head, do not install the stock 12V gasket. We use the 24V, as it seals better. If you will take a long, hard look at the two different gaskets, you will see why, and won't ask. If you don't see it, I'll tell ya.

..Preston..

 

I'm in this too, tell me what's the difference ????