looks like the head gasket is starting to leak next to the thermostat housing. only 240 ks on the engine is that normal? what causes this problem?

 

what year ? any mods?? how much boost are you running???

 

maybe worth a shot to replace the thermostat and seal. see if that takes care of it. start with the cheapest possibilities first.

 

I wouldn't go as far as saying "normal" but that's right about the miles and same place as both of mine. Sorry to tell you, but as jimbo said make sure the t-stat isn't the problem first.

 

Mine let go at 243k. The gasket basically rotted out.

 

uh oh... I guess i better be watchin mine, i've got 243k on mine now and its seen 40 lbs a few times...

 

I think I remember hearing the non IC's go quicker. Mine possibly only has 75k miles and it's seeping off the driver side

 

Yep, non i/c gaskets rot out... Mine went at ~300k kms...

 

rot as in from time or mileage you think? Not from overboosting? I'm pretty sure my miles are low, and the truck has been stock it's whole life except the last 3,000miles.

It would at least make me feel better if I knew I didn't cause it!

 

Rot as in old age, it just deteriorates. I think I did mine in from reving it up too hard before the thermostat opened. There was only like 1/16" worth of gasket left sealing it, so it was only a matter of time anyways. The new gaskets from Cummins are upgraded in that corner.

If it is leaking right below the thermostat, it is probably not boost related, IMO.