April 24, 2006
Detecting Combustion & EGR Leaks
Glossary
Using coolant, running hot and blowing coolant out of the coolant reservoir are concerns you might run into when working with the 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel Engine. Determining the cause has so far proven to be very difficult for many technicians and there does not seem to be much of any official word on any root causes. In fact, some cases of coolant minor expulsion from the reservoir have never been corrected despite significant repairs. If a close visual inspection and a pressure test of the engine and cooling system have been performed it is also recommended that a check for combustion leaks into the cooling system also be completed. Large leaks are obvious but to detect the smaller and yes, even intermittent leaks requires a tester. For years emissions testers have been used to sniff out Co2 but it is very easy to damage those expensive machines and not many dealership service departments have them these days. We suggest this nice, easy to use and accurate method. The photographs below show the tester in use and the two possible results are very easy to read.
Negative Reading
Positive Reading
Following the instructions for use, care and safety warnings that come with the tester is highly recommended. Once assembled and the test chambers are filled with the reactive solution, the tester is placed in the coolant opening where a squeeze bulb on the top draws vapors into the bottom of the tool which aerates through the solution. If Co2 is present, it will react with the solution changing the color from blue to yellow. Care must be taken to ensure that coolant does not enter the tool contaminating the solution which will cause a falsely positive result. Once Co2 is detected then the task of locating the source begins. If Co2 is not detected, you may have just saved yourself a lot of time. The tester provides an easy and quick way to diagnose engine overheating problems and checks for leaks between the combustion chamber and the cooling system which could indicate a failed head gasket, base engine concern or an EGR cooler leak. The tester is available from many tool vendors (the trucks) and some parts stores may also carry them. Expect to pay somewhere between $50 to $75 for the tester kit and additional test solution is easy to obtain.
FDDTS
Found this one. Thought it to be pretty much the same, a little more pricey and not needing a gallon jug and some tubing. As the saying goes, you pay for what you get.
