So I have had a problem with coolant on the ground for months now. I put the dye in the radiator today and found that the coolant is coming up and out arouynd the last bolt on the passenger side underneath the exhaust manifold. So for a second opinion I went to a Diesel truck shop in town. A mechanic that has been working on Cummins since 1985 told me that the head is either porus or cracked. He came to this conclusion because the anti freez was a inch above the bolt. So I started to look at heads online. Pure Diesel Power seems to have the best price. I have a few questions though. What is the difference between fire rings and o rings??? Are there vendors I should be staying away from? Who should I use?? Should I trust the mechanic?? I am just at wits end. My truck makes me money and I have to fix her. Any help would be great.

 

how sure are you that its not the head gasket?

 

I'm not

 

I had about the same problem. I would first try replacing the head gasket and have the head machined and maybe ring the head so you wont have anymore problems. I havent since i did mine. The mechanic could be right though, but thats what they said about mine to.