i just installed a new thermostat and new seals. While it was apart, i saw some engine oil residue on the old thermostat some oil in the residual water left inside the block after i removed the old t-stat. Is this cause for concern? there isnt any water in the oil. maybe the new seal will hold back the oil better than the old one.

 

This is very much cause for concern. There is no seal on hte t-stat that separates oil from water. IMO there are two probable problems: a-headgasket or b- oil-water heat exhanger leaking oil into the water. If you get enough oil in the water the coolant won't flow around cylinder number 6.

HTH

AlpineRAM

 

the oil cooler behind the filter leaks quite a bit of oil onto the ground. i suppose that means it could have an internal leak that i cant see. The wife is gonna love this. I think it might be time to replace the oil cooler gasket.

 

Good idea , and when you have the cooler out , run it over to Cummins and have it pressure tested to make sure you have no leaks.

 

what exactly do you get tested? the actual oil cooler? i have no idea what it looks like or how hard it is to get out. I know where its at and hopefully the good ole haynes manual will tell how to take it all apart.

 

not a hard job. your oil filter is attach to the oil cooler cover, remove the filter and the bolts that attach the cover, and the cooler will come out with the cover , keep the old gaskets around and match them to the replacement gaskets. have the cooler core checked or replaced, and install back on and torque to 18 ft.lbs. ,

 

that doesnt sound terribly difficult. thanks for the tips.