I Broke My Truck!

majek5 · #1 Sat, March 20th, 2010, 09:12 PM

I put an Adrenaline on my truck and when I was EVENLY tightening down the bolts on the reservoir when I heard a POP! Not knowing at the time what happened, I completed the install and started it up. LEAKING!!!

Took it apart to find a hairline crack in the bottom of the reservoir. When to the dealership to find out how much....$500 for the assembly and $1930 to put it on. They say the motor needs to be pulled. Is this right? My real question, can it be welded? Any help is appreciated. I went to school with a guy who has a welding shop, so he has the right tool for the job. Has this happened to anyone else, or just lucky ol me.

BTW Thanks Cody for the direction where to look for the leak. Unfortunately you were right!

hayjayhorses · #2 Sat, March 20th, 2010, 10:24 PM

I hate it when that happens. How did you do that? I have pulled and installed many HPOP I can't think of how you could break the case.

For $500 you should be able to buy a complete parts engine.

***907DAVE*** · #3 Sat, March 20th, 2010, 10:24 PM

Ahhh, must have used the gasket with the filter in it.

hayjayhorses · #4 Sat, March 20th, 2010, 11:43 PM

i have never seen the gasket with a filter for a 7.3 HPOP, I have seen aftermarket filter/screen for the 6.0 HPOP

***cleatus12r*** · #5 Sun, March 21st, 2010, 01:08 AM

That's what I feared when you called me.......

ChuckD · #6 Sun, March 21st, 2010, 02:44 AM

No the engine does not need to be removed to change the res. They are trying to milk you.

***907DAVE*** · #7 Sun, March 21st, 2010, 03:14 AM

I dont think the reservoir is his issue. It probably broke the timing cover, which requires the engine to be pulled to replace. It might appear that you can slip it out of there but the oil pickup tube is bolted to the bottom of it, which means the pan needs to come off.

As far as it being welded, it is not likely. I personally dont do any aluminum stuff, but I have a buddy who is real good at it. According to him it can be a real bear to weld any aluminum that is in contact with oil. He says the aluminum is porous enough to "soak up" the oil and it starts to come out when you weld it, ruining the weld. You can use some special cleaners (acid) to help draw it out, but this can be very time consuming and still will not guarantee that the welds will come out.

If I was to do it I would just buy a new cover, $500 sounds very steep though. You might call up Swamps Diesel, they quoted me for one a while back and I dont think it was anywhere near that much. Or find someone who can get you a discount, you might even talk to your local shop to see what they can do for you.

Good Luck