possible blown head gasket (300tdi)

[hillstrubl]

I've been getting a new (small) puddle after each drive, headed over to @supertreeman's house today for a 2nd set of eyes... Not looking good. It appears to leak "out" which is better I guess? No overheating, drivability, smoke, etc, just the puddle over the last ~2 weeks.

I did a spray/scrub with degreaser and added UV dye (thanks @WreckITFrank ) the red is where I found coolant (just above the HG meeting point).

After a few drives, there seems to be a weep here btw cyls 2 and 3, which is directly above aforementioned puddle.

Thoughts?

 

[Mirrajumper]

I’d pull it proactively and install a multi layer metal one. Since it’s still running, you might not have a big parts bill. A decoke kit, new bolts and new seals for the turbo oil lines.

 

[hillstrubl]

I’d pull it proactively and install a multi layer metal one. Since it’s still running, you might not have a big parts bill. A decoke kit, new bolts and new seals for the turbo oil lines.

I'm leaning this way, thanks for the nudge

 

[Mirrajumper]

Rovah farm has some great prices! Aside from
A torque wrench and some basic hardware store supplies- you could be in/out of it same day. Have you done one before? Have your guages all been reading normally? How’s the MPG? Did you check your coolant bottle cap?

 

[Mirrajumper]

I was prepared for a HG today( last done 2 years ago). Ended up doing some new studs and fixing an exhaust manifold issue .

 

[hillstrubl]

Rovah farm has some great prices! Aside from
A torque wrench and some basic hardware store supplies- you could be in/out of it same day. Have you done one before? Have your guages all been reading normally? How’s the MPG?

no driveability, no heat issues, no MPG issues. just the wee puddle

I have not done one on this engine. I did a 4.2L 1986 CJ once.

 

[Mirrajumper]

Very doable, and you don’t have to mess with the timing. A dirty job and one that demands you stay organized. I’d put new push rods in just because….your parts list may grow if you are super proactive. Do you have the manual?

You might buy yourself some time with a small bottle of Kseal. Full coolant flush from the block drain and refill with the Kseal premixed in a gallon so that it does not clump up in the coolant bottle return lines and valve.

 

[hillstrubl]

Very doable, and you don’t have to mess with the timing. A dirty job and one that demands you stay organized. I’d put new push rods in just because….your parts list may grow if you are super proactive. Do you have the manual?

You might buy yourself some time with a small bottle of Kseal. Full coolant flush from the block drain and refill with the Kseal premixed in a gallon so that it does not clump up in the coolant bottle return lines and valve.

I feel like Kseal is just going to make my future life more difficult.

 

[Mirrajumper]

True, but you could get 1-2 weeks of driving in while you order parts and get organized.

 

[michael67]

Like you, I've done an AMC 4.2 on my old CJ and now a 300 Tdi. I went with the MLS gasket, no problems after nearly 20k miles. Went with new bolts because I didn't have the complete engine history. I kept my old push rods. Just cleaned both surfaces very well. I also checked for flatness with a straight edge per the manual. I assume you used an engine hoist or second person on the 4.2 head - the 300 Tdi head isn't as big and heavy, but it is much easier if you use an engine hoist. Also install a new intake/exhaust gasket while you have them apart. You may also want to look into replacing that coolant tube that's mounted to the block, if it's corroded anyway.

 

[Mirrajumper]