Head Gasket Time

[Shelby Griggs]

Old reliable is going to be getting 1st major engine repair in 18 years and 295k, been having to add a slight amount of coolant, finally figured out it is leaking from the head gasket on the front of the passenger side, date with shop scheduled.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

Shelby, while you are there I highly recommend that you have the tappet cover gasket replaced...unless you've already done this in the last 100,000 miles, or so.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Shelby, while you are there I highly recommend that you have the tappet cover gasket replaced...unless you've already done this in the last 100,000 miles, or so.

Thanks for tip!

Nope, never been done, this will be the biggest surgery ever on the engine, haven't even had to touch the VP44 yet. I will suggest this to the shop doing the work.

 

[GAmes]

It's probably a good time for a valve job while you are at it. I thought those weak head gaskets were only a 12 valve problem.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Head will be heading to machine shop, magnaflux, surfaced, valve springs checked, valves ground, valve seals, etc., pretty much full head job while it is off the truck. Hoping it doesn't need too many parts, but it won't be any cheaper later on The shop doing the work will be Pacific Diesel Service in Monroe, WA, about a 250 mile one way trip for me, worth the drive to get it done at a reputable shop!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

carefully check the 3/8" cup plugs at each cylinder, near the exhaust ports. I have seen them rust through and cause a leak.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Question: How much extra is required to do something about the KDP when the head is off? Mine has never been looked at and being a 2001.5 it should be OK, but I have heard of a few 2002's with the issue.

 

[GAmes]

It would be about the same as if the head was installed. Pull the front gear case cover and take a look. You might be in need of a new crankshaft seal anyway, a good time to replace it.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

It would be about the same as if the head was installed. Pull the front gear case cover and take a look. You might be in need of a new crankshaft seal anyway, a good time to replace it.

Thanks! I am going into this with the attitude of "do what it needs" while it is tore apart, well hopefully not a complete rebuild, BUT things that are obvious and which will be more labor later on.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

After surgery report as a followup. Job completed for $3844.95 out the door. This included labor of $1560.47 to include an oil change and replacing the tappet cover gasket. Machine shop subbed work was $1003.44 and parts were $1281.04 outside of parts the machine shop replaced, things like gaskets, oil, head bolts, etc.. All prices include sales tax of 9.2%.

Head was completely gone through and required a couple new valves.

Looks like I have an 180 degree thermostat now (by gauge reading) vs the 190 degree one that was in there for the first 295K and the exhaust manifold bolt retaining straps installed during a TSB about 18 years ago are gone due to a one time use. Rumor is these are now unobtainium, anybody know that for sure?

Have about 400 miles on it and and all seems good.

Ready to roll on for awhile I hope

 

[Shelby Griggs]

The exhaust manifold bolt retaining straps are still available FYI, different style and part number, BUT I was able to purchase four new ones from a dealer.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would ask if they used a Cummins T stat!

 

[Shelby Griggs]

I would ask if they used a Cummins T stat!

Pretty sure they did as they used all Cummins parts I was told, the part number on the WO is the correct Cummins Tstat, but for whatever reason it seems to run cooler. Already picked up a new Cummins 190 degree Tstat and may put it in, that is a job I can do in the driveway.

 

[Cummins12V98]

When I pulled my radiator and cleaned that was plugged from oil bottle I replaced hoses and "T" stat with Cummins and the temp now runs at or just below 190.

 

[Joe Mc]

After reading figured I'd add $0.02 = water pump, should you ever need one get it from Cummins. Oh yes it'll cost more than the $50 parts store one but I went thru two (allegedly) "new" parts store pumps in two years. They replaced 1st one free since it had a lifetime and when the second one went (a year +/- later) I got one at the local Cummins place and returned the parts store one for "a full credit". Surprised they honored the "lifetime" and pleasantly surprised they gave full refund.