major oil loss on driver side
 

My '01 2500 has been loosing significant oil along the seem above the block. After cleaning and then running the engine for 3 minutes...oil drains at the seem just behind the injector pump mount bracket above the brass 'torx' bolt head on the block. It appears that there is a vertical crack(3/8") in the material between the block and the head?? I had hoped that it was the vacuum pump/steering pump seal but that is all dry. Is this what I fear it to be? (head gasket?)

But, I have no coolant loss or milky oil...

Couldn't figure out how to edit my original post to add photos...

Behind the VP 44 there is a place where you can remove the valve lifters that becomes brittle and breaks. If you are very careful you can replace these gaskets without removing the VP.

Tappet Cover
 

My 95 was leaking like a garden hose when i bought it. Don't panic i bet that is it. I pressured washed area (be careful) with pressure washer and let it dry. Once the area was clean i started the truck and easily saw where the leak was coming from. I think it cost me $200.00 to get repaired. Runs perfect now and not a drop of oil. Good luck.

Wow crazy I just had the samething I had a little leak which has now just got horrible!! I went to pull the vac pump and noticed it was on the side of the block!! great!! The guy I talked to wanted 350 bux to fix it that to much?? He said its like a 6 hour job???

Ok...I know my option is only temporary :hmmm: but.....I needed to stop the gushing because at the moment, I don't have much cash to shell out.
I found the point where most of the oil is coming out of the seem and smeared a thick layer of 'ultra black' gasket material on it. It reduced the oil loss on that spot all the way but, evidently the whole original gasket is dry rotted or something cause there is minor seepage farther forward behind the Injection pump. ( I was really not wanting to pull that piece)

also, if you can get to the bolts, you could try snugging up the bolts. When i repaired mine, I noticed where it was leaking the most the bolts were loose. Its not that bad of a repair. I actually posted some more over on brad97 thread for the same thing. if your good with the wrenches, and have patients. Its easy to do.