In general you are correct. A head gasket does not fail like a light switch. It normally takes a little while unless the vehicle is severely overheated and the head warps. However, if you have a head bolt that has been stretched by the expanding and constricting of the engine then it may be beginning to fail.
Normally coolant being pushed out of the coolant bottle on diesels is by excess pressure (head gaskets), too much coolant, or a failed seal on the cap. I didn't mention the last one before and I am not sure how I over looked the easiest possible cause. The bottle on your engine is what is called a de-gas bottle. Meaning it combines the radiator cap and overflow bottle. They have a seal on the inside and when that fails they leak.
I would replace that before we go any further. Let me know thanks.
Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 AT 1:33 PM