[Archived]

Have you determined *where* the coolant is going? Is it getting into the combustion chamber through a leaky head or head gasket and being burned and sent out the exhaust pipe, or is the head cracked and leaking externally?

You indicated that your toad was covered with red slime. What was that? Is it anti-freeze from a leak, or is it getting out through the exhaust.

Without more info, I don’t think anyone can tell you for sure what the problem is, but in any case it will likely be expensive. If it is only the egr cooler, that can be replaced without removing the engine.

I guess another opinion from a Detroit shop would be a good idea. If it does need to come out it will be expensive either way. If there has not been any issue in the past with the engine, I would probably just fix what is wrong. You know the history of what you have now. Unless there are other things you feel could be an issue, then maybe the reman with a warranty could be worth it.

[Chris]

Chris;

How many miles have you put on the coach? Have you had any over heating “events” I am leaning toward a sunken cylinder liner vs a cracked head. I have seen liner to head gasket issues with the 14 liter posted/reported.

I would call Pacific Power (west coast) or Stuart Stevenson, and ask for labor and parts quote.

I would also test your oil for coolant. If any is found I would roll in new bearings.

I would also call Prevost to see if anyone is pulling the head in place without pulling the engine.

Kevin

[Archived]

Thanks for the suggestions.

As to mileage I have put about 4000 miles on it since October. I had Jeff zero everything out when I got the coach. No overheating problems for me. The service records do not show any cooling issues except for the replacement of the charge air cooler once. Fluids were changed religiously on or before schedule including coolant. All service was done at Prevost or Marathon. The pre-purchase inspection was negative. I have a call into the original owner to check on any other issues not seen in the service records.

There is no leakage seen on the engine or in the bay. The car slime is anti-freeze (red and smells). We assumed it was coming out the exhaust but could not reproduce it sitting in the lot. Jeff is checking with someone he uses in Nashville and Prevost about options and further investigation of the issue. Just kind of frustrating not knowing where this is all going and how much it will cost (I know it’s going to hurt real good).

On a side note, Jeff Rowe as usua,l has gone above and beyond what anyone could expect looking at the coach and getting it to Detroit Diesel. He even had a driver wait with it in case it was a minor repair that could be done today. I can’t say enough good things about Jeff and his shop.

[Ted]

I would want to be very specific with the dealer and if you are not comfortable pressing them hard for information have Jeff do it.

His observation about the EGR makes a lot of sense unless there are other clues such as a rough running engine or coolant in the oil. The EGR heat exchanger could very well do what you describe and pass coolant through the engine via the intake manifold. I would want to know how that was ruled out as a cause.

But getting down to the nitty gritty, which is cost, detroit needs to do a better job of giving you numbers. An inframe repair shouild easily be quoted, starting with the most likely problem and going from there. A new or reman is going to be expensive and if the issue is external the parts that are creating the problem are likely going back on so there is a risk if there is not a guaranteed test of the egr intercooler for example.

[Archived]

Chris My motor did the same thing, almost spent big bucks, it turned out to be EGR cooler, if you call me I will tell you about it. 251-402-1089 Darrell

[Rudy]

this estimate came from my local Detroit dealer. Clarke power….initially coming in we found evidence of coolant leak at the pressure cap of the coolant system, causing coolant visible on the engine door. We replaced cap and ran unit, there are no external leaks on the system. However after short runs of less than 100 miles there is a loss of aproximatly 2 gallons from the system. Detroit says there is coolant via testing in the exhaust, and that is the only place for it to go since there is no external leaks and nothing in engine oil by looks or increase in level. They did see a increase in pressure on the coolant system which would make sense also for a head crack. One issue is they want to pull the engine to pull the head. I realize if it is deeper in the engine they could be required….

for or now taking a step back and making many phone calls.

[Gerald]

Sounds like it is getting compression into cooling system if they see an increase in pressure, and if it was blowing out the pressure cap. As far as I can recall, wouldn’t only a cracked head or a bad head gasket, or a bad cylinder do that? If it is blowing out 2 gallons in less than 100 miles, there is a big problem brewing somewhere….

[Chris]

correct and that is another reason I wish to limit run time on engine to get the right shop to pull the head….

[Archived]

Is it necessary to pull the engine in order to remove the head?

[Tom]

Chris

I almost made the mistake of pulling my engine, do what I did simple cheap test first. pull the oil pan

off, put 15# pressure on the coolant system, let it set with pressure overnite look for coolant leaks on the floor, this will

tell what cylinder is leaking, on my engine it turned out to be the egr cooler, it had all signs of cracked head.

Darrell

[Archived]

Well here’s the current plan. Jeff is taking the coach to another Detroit shop for testing and hopefully repair. If it’s a head they have quoted $7,000 rather than $13,000. So we’ll see. Still holding out a slight hope it’s the EGR cooler (doubt). We’ll see what the answer is.

Chris

[Glenn]

I would think EGR cooler before anything else…we know EGR has been an issue from the trucking industry and that is where the problems usually start…first thing I would do is pull and oil sample…cheap and easy!

[jack]

BK a few years back had he had a problem with a trans oil cooler (allison) That cracked letting coolant out–His unit was a 2006 I think. Rurined trans–He had more that one of that vintage do that. very remote but worth a look. From a vague memory. Bob

[Alvie]

I hope I am wrong on this, although it is sounding like whatever the issue turns out to be serious money is involved.

Our engines require good cooling system maintenance and that is to insure the chemistry required to protect the cylinder liners is maintained. Failure to maintain the coolant to the maintenance standards can cause porosity in the cylinder liners. I think that is possible because it can have symptoms like what has been described above.

[Mike]

So, any updated news on what was going on? Did it get fixed, in process of repair or what? Inquiring minds want to know…..