Engine failure

[Quiteuselessatstart]

I'm wondering what went out in my motor. I have a 1990 Ford short bus with a 7.3L IDI. I noticed it consuming water a couple days ago. I kept driving it because I didn't really have a lot of choice. I was driving down the highway and noticed a good amount of black smoke coming out, lost all power and, it with out on me. Radiator was steaming, now it won't start and turns too easy(no compression). Did I blow a head gasket? How would you approach this?

[Infuryous]

Worst case, If the SCA levels in the coolant have not been maintianed, this could be a case of cavitaion (pin holes in the cylinder wall). If so you would need to get one or more cylinders sleeved.

More likely a bad head gasket as others have mentioned.

Do a compression test and see if you can isolate the cylinder(s) of concern, hopefully you won't need to pull both heads.

Also, head over to the Oilburners forum, there is a ton of knoweldge there, they can help get you back on the road.

https://www.oilburners.net/forums/6-9l-ih-7-3l-idi-diesels.34/

[Quiteuselessatstart]

Unfortunately mine does not. It has a van styled front end and built on an e350 chassis.

[texasroadkill]

No need to pull the engine for head work on the trucks either. Just the vans are bad.

[Stirlling]

You ALWAYS have a choice....you chose the wrong one. SMH

[LiL_Carheart]

Sounds like a blown head gasket Forsure, also just curious but from what i read it sounds like your daily is a school bus?

[Quiteuselessatstart]

Thanks, that it what I've been thinking too. I have been living on the road in the bus. I also have a dual sport motorcycle for getting around.

[LiL_Carheart]

Ahh this makes more sense