Aluminum Heads

[RedRam1]

Hello everyone, I don't want to start a fight or do any Duramax bashing... there's enough of that going around already! The aluminum heads on the Duramax have, from day one, been the subject of much controversy and speculation. I've got around 25 yrs experience turning wrenches, primarily on gassers, but over the years have had the opportunity to work on several diesels in automotive applications. Here's a list of all the diesel's I can remember working on with relevant comments:

VW diesel rabbit's and pickup's: Aluminum heads - Numerous blown head gaskets and cracked heads.

Volvo Diesel car (don't remember model): Aluminum head - This rig had a 5 cylinder diesel made by VW, blew one head gasket, second time around the head cracked too.

BMW diesel car from mid '80's: Aluminum head - This one was better, it blew one head gasket at around 80K, no more head or gasket related problems till sold at ~200k miles.

Mercedes 220/240/300D: Cast Iron head - No head gasket problems. We worked on dozens of these, they don't blow head gaskets.

Pugeot Diesel Car: Aluminum head - Maintained this one from new till owner got T-boned by F-350 & totaled car, no problems, but car didn't have too many miles, probably around 60K.

Numerous small (40 - 70HP) farm tractors, mostly Fords & JD's: Iron heads, no problems.

My question is this: Does anyone know of a cast Iron block/Aluminum head Diesel engine that does not have head gasket problems? If such an engine exists, Duramax owners could at least be cautiously optimistic about the durability of their engines.

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2001. 5 Flame Red 2500 4x4 Quad SLT SB ETH/DEE 3. 54LS 241HD

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I have not heard of a reliable diesel running a aluminum head. Izisu could be the first one lets wait and see. My own thoughts are that the thermal expansion differnce between cast and aluminum is enough to cause problems down the road. As the head and block expand and contract at differnt rates the head gasket tends to wear into the softer aluminum. You can see this on V dubs Audies and brigs and stratton It may take quite a while but I would be suprised if the Dura would make 150,000 miles before head problems. Now I realize that there will be a great number of the easy driven ones that will go the long distance but those that pull every day or are BOMBED will have more than there share of problems. Can you say TEST DRIVER?

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1995 2500 5 spd US Gear 2 speed,PackBrake, bombed,big turbo, injectors CUMMINS POWER!!. 2001 ETH 3500 PackBrake, gagues,otherwise stock. 1972 "1066" International Harvester 414 ci diesel pulling tractor, big pump,turbo and injectors. Alcohol injection,BINDER POWER!! .
GONZO

 

[RedRam1]

I guess from the lack or responses, no one knows of an Iron block/Aluminum head diesel that has been trouble free in service?

 

[Uncle Joe]

worked on them all at the time... cant name one!
btw the volvo uses a 2. 4 6 cyl version of the vw 1. 6 the audi used the 5 2. 2L
the best motor imo is the MB 3. 0 5cyl used to 1985,they last forever!!! I have one with 425k on it,still runs strong & starts on the 1st try. in 1986 MB switched to an alloy head version,reliability did suffer the motor had torsional issues,bent rods,and reduced life span... go figure... .
Toyota did make some very lite duty diesels with alloy heads for use in corollas & camerys however they did not work very hard pulling a very lite car so i dont think they count... ... . joe

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01 swb 4wd qc slt+ intense blue with everything the only thing it hauls is my wifes big a$$