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waylon.vann@navy.mil
Apr 12, 2009, 4:04 PM
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Is it a bad headgasket?
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I am getting a P0240 code for my 2003 dodge dakota 4x4. I have replaced the CC and both O2 sensors. This code had been around for a long time and if I clear it its back in 10-60 miles. I have had engine overheating and it might have blown the gasket. I was getting a sweet smell of coolant burning and a number 6 cyl code. I ran eng sealant through the cooling sys and it stopped overheating, stopped buring the sweet smell, and no more codes. I am still getting the P0240 code though. I am being told that its probably from a blown head gasket when it overheated. I am about to get it replaced buy looking for last min advice before I spend!
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Anonymous Poster
Apr 12, 2009, 4:14 PM
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Re: Is it a bad headgasket?
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Also there is no water in the oil.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Apr 12, 2009, 5:01 PM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: Is it a bad headgasket?
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Could you double check that code? Are you sure it's not P0420? (Cat efficiency?) Anti-freeze going through the exhaust will take out O2 sensors and is not very good on the catalyst, either. If it is a P0420, usually means the cat efficiency is poor or non-existant. Unless the cat plugs, you probably won't notice a difference in performance, but it will keep you from passing an emission test.
Loren
SW Washington
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Anonymous Poster
Apr 12, 2009, 5:15 PM
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Re: Is it a bad headgasket?
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YES, that is the correct code. Thats what I meant to type. I just changed the O2 foward of the cat this weekend and cleared the code. It came back again in 2 days. Im just trying to figure out what else I could do now before I pay to have the gasket changed. As I said before every since I ran the block repair through I have not had any overheating or fluids in the cyl or exhuast. I feel like the gasket is good or at least working properly now. I dont have the tools or experience to feel comfortable doing the gasket change myself.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Apr 12, 2009, 5:22 PM
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Re: Is it a bad headgasket?
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The P0420 is for the downstream O2. It is there, only, to monitor catalyst efficiency. The catalyst monitor is one of the last to complete. That's probably why it takes a day or two for it to reset the code.
Loren
SW Washington
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Anonymous Poster
Apr 12, 2009, 5:26 PM
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Re: Is it a bad headgasket?
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ok, thanks. so i replaced the downstream about 8 months back. THEN I fixed the overheating. Is it possible that the coolant may have ruined the downstream sensor after I replaced it? Then maybe if I changed it again now that I managed to stop the coolant from passing through that it might fix the code? Still trying to avoid the gasket change
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Apr 12, 2009, 5:29 PM
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I'd recommend having the downstream O2 scanned and watch it's activity or lack of, before replacing it. It may well be telling you that the cat is no longer with us. Remember, sensors tell us of a problem in a system. Not that the sensor itself is bad.
Loren
SW Washington
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Anonymous Poster
Apr 12, 2009, 5:46 PM
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yeah thats good advice! one last question for you though, if I am able to fix the exhaust issue via a new cat or O2, do you think I should still have the head gasket replaced? I know that those block sealers are considered taboo by many people. I just worry it wont hold up but my wallet says maybe it will. Thanks!
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Apr 12, 2009, 5:54 PM
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Re: Is it a bad headgasket?
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You never mentioned which engine the Dakota has. Not that it matters, none of them are 'known' for blowing head gaskets. Of course, it can happen. I've never run into a sealer that would work for that, given the pressure that you are dealing with. But, if there is any chance you've got coolant going thru the exhaust, I'd attack the source first. The O2/catalyst problems are more than likely results of....and you sure don't want to waste any more money until you get the known problem taken care of. It is quite an easy test to see if you have a head gasket leaking.
Whomever you decide on to check the downstream O2, should also be able to 'sniff' the cooling system for any exhaust gasses.
Loren
SW Washington
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Anonymous Poster
Apr 12, 2009, 6:00 PM
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Re: Is it a bad headgasket?
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OK thanks. I feel the same way about attacking the source first. I have a better idea now of what I am getting into. By the way I have the V6 3.9L.
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