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TechWriter · 07-20-2017, 12:09 PM

Just been informed that the head gasket on my 2001 Cummings ISL needs replacement.

Isn't this really low mileage for this to occur?

Steve Ownby · 07-20-2017, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechWriter

Just been informed that the head gasket on my 2001 Cummings ISL needs replacement.

Isn't this really low mileage for this to occur?

Depending on who told you this, you might consider a 2nd opinion.

Bob_C · 07-20-2017, 12:59 PM

How was the diagnosis done?.....

cwr321 · 07-20-2017, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechWriter

Just been informed that the head gasket on my 2001 Cummings ISL needs replacement.

Isn't this really low mileage for this to occur?

I had to replace the entire top and on my 2012 max force 350 hp international engine wanted 20,000 miles and again and 25,000 miles . All the technicians could do is shrug their shoulders and say they've never seen anything like it. Luckily the factory covered it both times. Needless to say that vehicle is gone!

Skilletface · 07-20-2017, 03:07 PM

I have seen head gaskets go out at lower milage than what you have. If you look at this from an age point it has fared pretty well.

TechWriter · 07-20-2017, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

How was the diagnosis done?.....

Beats me. Are you a diesel mechanic?

spsm · 07-20-2017, 04:47 PM

Boy, your taxing my memory, but I think I had an exhaust gasket go on me back in 09 on my 03 Mtn. Aire, 400 ISL and Cummins covered everything. I believe they drew the line at less 100,000 miles and 10 years at that time. And if you walked behind the rig while running, it wouldn't talk to you, it would yell at you. Check with Cummins. And good luck.

mackwrench · 07-20-2017, 06:27 PM

Head gaskets can fail at any mileage or age, uselly from overheating condition, or excessive cylinder pressure from over fuel, or aftermarket programmer...

What symptoms did the engine have? Was it running hot? Did it have a cylinder misfiring? If it's leaking cylinder pressure into coolant system it will push coolant out of radiator cap, coolant in engine oil could be head gasket or oil cooler failure....

Be easier to talk about this if you'd fill in the blanks

TechWriter · 07-20-2017, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mackwrench

Head gaskets can fail at any mileage or age, uselly from overheating condition, or excessive cylinder pressure from over fuel, or aftermarket programmer...

What symptoms did the engine have? Was it running hot? Did it have a cylinder misfiring? If it's leaking cylinder pressure into coolant system it will push coolant out of radiator cap, coolant in engine oil could be head gasket or oil cooler failure....

Be easier to talk about this if you'd fill in the blanks

No symptoms that I detected -- not running hot and no misfires.

Engine malfunction light came on followed by the red stop engine.

There was coolant loss. From what I could see, the coolant was leaking near the top of the engine.

8TiresRollin · 07-20-2017, 10:47 PM

Two of the easiest ways to destroy a head gasket is to not drive easy when it is cold (I drive mine easy as soon as air is up) and to not cool properly when it is turned off. Pulling a long hill and stopping at the top is one of the wo,rest unless you idle for about 5 minutes at the least. Also ignoring coolant temp changes is a biggie. All related to sudden heat and cool cycles. Unless there has been cold stresses from bad winterization then 70000miles is way too early if it was properly looked after.

funjnt · 07-21-2017, 05:44 AM

I am curious to your warm up and cool down procedure?

Smitty77 · 07-21-2017, 08:16 AM

TechWriter - Somewhat knowing you from here and on the Escapees forum - I have not doubt that you have followed proper maintenance on your engine/coach. Sometimes 'stuf' (4 letter spelling on purpose

!) happens.

And in general, not just specific to you only, I follow the advise I got from many on this and other forums... Start up, air up your system, oil pressure up confirmation, in gear and slowly ease out of the park. I avoid hard acceleration until I see the temperatures have climbed on water. Usually on surface streets, with 3-5 miles all is OK to go. If on a highway soon after start up, I usually leave along 55-60MPH, again with very easy 'egg under the pedal' acceleration, until the temps are up. I avoid Jake Compression Brake until the engine is warm. On cool down, I usually will be OK from just getting off the highway and getting to either the campground or fuel stop area. The few times I've pulled off the highway and right up to a pump, I let the engine run while fueling. When stopping at rest stops for the dog, or myself, I let the engine idle for 3-5 minutes.

On use of Jake Compression Brake usage. I've seen different opinions on if heavy usage of Compression Brakes adds to engine wear, or not. I use it when it is needed, and will pay the price if I wear something out early from doing so.

Best of luck to you,
Smitty