MnTom

Ok, I will look around too.

The problem with the headgasket issue seems to be more of a 12 valve problem than a 24 valve problem. The issue is there is no by-pass on a 12 valve and when the thermostat closes (which it does on a 12v) the water pump is pressurizing the block forcing water out of the gasket right above the water pump (highest pressure area).

I didn't realize you had that many miles on it. Where are you located at and what is your top dollar?

Yea, I know, but..... When you are trained a certain way...... Plus there was way more torque.

The only place to use that for is fuel for starting bon fires (actually illegal to do!!). Do like Mike suggested and find a recycler (most service shops, some auto parts stores, etc.) and let them deal with it.

I have always had a 'problem' running these trucks above 2000 RPM. I guess it comes from learning to drive big trucks and the 290, 350, and 400s (all Cummins) were all supposed to be run between 1500 and 2100 RPMs.

I whole heartedly concur! The next place to check for a problem would be the rear of the truck where most guys tie in the trailer plug wiring.

The first thing I would do is pull the head and see how bad it really is. You MIGHT get by just honing the cylinder and putting another piston in. You won't know until you look at it.

Looks good Mike! I was always proud to wear any of my Dep't insignia when I was on a small FD. Congrats!

Ya, don't give up! You can't let a simple trailer kick your butt! Just keep plugging away at it and one day it will be like you want!

You shouldn't with the studs. I was running about 2100+ rpms for quite a while when I made mine leak. 18 miles of up hill towing and 88* will do that to you I guess.......

Well, pull the nail and confirm it!

Strange that he would just drop off the face of the earth like that......

I agree that a compression test will tell lots. Hopefully there is a simple solution to this, and yes, they are classic symptoms of an injector problem, but there are times when things don't go according to the book!! I know I have had some........

I seem to recall the Power Stroke had an issue with a harness problem near the rear of the right head and it would cause symptoms quite similar and not always throw codes. The reason I would want to check it is because the symptoms didn't change when the injector was changed unless the piston has a big hole in it.

Russ, just for the safety factor I would recommend you use the LEDs you have. Besides, you already have them, right? Anyhow, have you noticed how much easier it is to see LEDs especially in inclement weather? I just put some on the rear of my fiver and my son was following me. We stopped (it was dark) and I asked him what he thought of them. His reaction was "They sure are bright!".

Not sure if yours is a MK4 or a MK5, but you can look here for some instructions that may help: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/key-and-remote-replacement-repair-faq-for-mk5-mk6-vw/

Just push the O/D button and lock out O/D when pulling like that. Don't do like I did. I was pulling a long hill in Wyoming and locked out O/D and kept the rpms up and caused my headgasket to leak right above the water pump.

Start with the simple things first (but you know that). Like what was said above, check the wiring. There may be a chafed wire or something like that. Harness problems don't always give a DTC. The next thing is the injector that you put it. Is it a used injector? Could it have possibly stuck? Does the truck still put out white smoke? Is the radiator still full?

I would guess it was, but by the time it got to me it was dark.... Besides you normally don't see the anvils with snow. We haven't had a real strong system here for a few years.

I wonder if you would spend less money on another rear end and just swap them out? The only 'problem' would be knowing what you get.

Same storm system. Just be glad you didn't get any of them "twirly things" that hang from the clouds. There was one in southern Minnesota and in the pictures on the news it looked like snow on the ground!

Well we actually got 10" of snow. News said we have had 118.3 inches of snow this season. Normal is 87 inches. Was out snowblowing and noticed the rear axle on my lawn tractor was moving and twisting. I tried to finish up, but it all the sudden quit moving. Turned out to be a bracket on the front of the transaxle broke and the two brackets that bolt axle housing in place were cracked. About 2 hours and a bit of welding I was able to finish my driveway and clean out in front of my mailbox again. Now it sounds like I have a noisy bearing in my drive system for the blower....... Sounds like a good summer project to me.....

Looks like we only got about 7 inches of snow and the skies are getting lighter. Guess it is time to go move the white crap again........

Well, now it is my turn for the heavy snow. We are under a Winter Storm Warning until 1PM tomorrow. The prediction is for 12+ inches of snow and a bunch of wind all night. Is spring EVER going to arrive here? Damn I want to get my fiver ready to go.......