[AT] Ford F250 Diesel makes steam. UH - OH !!!

[Steve W.]

Roy Morgan wrote:
> Stephen,
> 
> Thanks for the info, sorry for slow reply. I was off line for a while.
> 
> Bottom line on the truck is the EGR cooler had a leak (Very common -  
> Ford redesigned the part). Needed a new starter. $3000 later the truck  
> is fine!
> 
>> Er, just because it didn't come with one, doesn't mean you can't go
>> out and get yourself a book.
> 
> The truck repair guys ordered me one - (can't remember the cost cause  
> I'm still in shock over the total bill.) But the owners manual comes  
> from some third party publisher (not Ford directly) and will be here  
> in a day or three.
> 
>> Another alternative is AlldataDIY.com.
> 
> I'l check them out.  At least I can learn what the engine is about  
> from them.
> 
>>  ... It has troubleshooting trees
> 
> The quick procedure for testing for cracked EGR coolers is to remove  
> the EGR valve (conveniently located on top of the engine), jack up the  
> back of the truck a foot or two, and see if coolant is running where  
> it should not.  (It appears that the electrically run valve causes  
> exhaust gas to be recycled at some times and not at other times.)
> 
>> ... Many (most?) problems on
>> modern vehicles simply cannot be solved by a shadetree DIY'er unless
>> he is armed with accurate information.
> 
> AND test tools and fixtures.  The shop guys apparently broke a little  
> plastic tab that holds the valve cover-fumes-to-intake-connection  
> hose. They used a vacuum test kit to find where the leak was causing a  
> loud whistle.  Two plastic tabs hold the fitting with it's 7/8 inch o- 
> ring in place.  Just below the coolant reservoir.
> 
>> ... An EGR cooler is a heat exchanger that cools the
>> exhaust gas before it is recirculated to the intake.
> 
> Yup I saw my busted part. May ask for it back to do an autopsy on it.   
> The leaks occur inside the thing and can't be seen.  Stainless tubes  
> all welded together.
> 
>>  Ahhh, the hidden downside of diesel ownership.  Parts and repairs,
>> when you do finally need them, are expen$$ive.
> 
> Yes in deed.  By the way, the garage that did the work lifted the cab  
> by 6 inches to get at the engine area to be worked on.  I hope this  
> truck runs for a long time with no more repairs such as this.
> 
> Roy
> 
> 
> Roy Morgan
> k1lky at earthlink.net
> 529 Cobb St.
> Groton NY, 13073
> 


Just got the notice from Ford that they are recalling ALL 2008 Super 
Duty Fords that are diesel powered. Seems they like to blow flames out 
the exhaust and catch fire (something like 19 have already burnt up)

-- 
Steve W.