just noticed a white substance coming from around the cylinder head im guessing that it is radiator fluid leaking out. how much trouble am i in?

 

For the potential amount of the repair, you can't guess.
Where exactly do you see the coolant leaking, if you can't tell take the truck to your favorite shop and have them presure test the coolant system to see exactly where the leak is.
How much and often do you have to add coolant?
Mike

 

thank you for the reply in response to you question the coolant is leaking from the front right head and oozing down the front of the motor. I never added coolant i just figured out i was having the problem when the heater ceased to operate because the coolant was so low, but now that it is full i will need to monitor and check