Water pump cavitation

[Harleyjim]

Can water pump cavitation cause puking out the degas bottle due to air bubbles being created? I noticed when it does puke, looking in the bottle there is huge amounts of tiny bubbles in coolant.
Egr coolers are blocked off so that is ruled out. Hoping its something other than head gaskets.

Thanks for any input I can get. Need help!!!

Jim

[late_99_PSD]

No, cavitation off the WP will not cause bubbles in the resivor. Seems like you have more of a head gasket issue( combustion gasses in coolant.) Cavitation is more of a momentary thing, in that when the bubbles form, they will then collapse violently, causing wear on parts.

[Harleyjim]

Thanks for that info. That is what I was afraid of. Quoted $3200 to replace head gaskets at independent shop. That seem about right?

[late_99_PSD]

I have no idea, never priced one out. That dosen't seem unreasonable tho (considering they have to remove the cab.) Someone may chime in with more experiance on 6.4's and know more on what else may be causing you problem.

[04hdfatboy]

when you do the head gaskets might be a good idea to also do arp head studs so you dont have to do worry about it again.

[dieselkane]

Are the EGR coolers just blocked, or have you actually removed them from the truck? If they are just blocked, one could still have a breach which could allow combustion gasses in the cooling system from the coolers.

[Harleyjim]

They are not removed completely, but now the cooling system is plugged and exhaust gas is blocked, so they are completely out of the loop and I think my problem may be fixed. I ran out of time last night before I really got to test drive it. I will let you know how it comes out after I test it tonight!!

Keep your fingers crossed!!!!

I wonder if the EGR valve is somehow compromised. Could it be cracked inside or somehow letting exhaust gas into the cooling system? I am not sure. Will have to check when I remove it.

[Jarrod B]

isnt it a bit early for cavitation on a 6.4?

[Harleyjim]

Not sure about that. I just know that was not my problem.

[sinner6.0L]

Originally Posted by Jarrod B

isnt it a bit early for cavitation on a 6.4?

the waterpump flows too much for the cooling system and causes a negative pressure to build up behind the impeller. mirco bubbles form and blast away the soft aluminum front cover. eventually lube oil will end up in the coolant and vise versa.

usually the trucks that are worked the hardest(450 and 550s) will do this first