Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Blew '96 head gasket plus radiator

[Hittinger]

My head gasket blew at the head bolt by the thermostat while towing our TT. in Ca. The pressure was high enough to cause the radiator to leak at the lower corner joining the plastic tank to the aluminun tubing . I installed 2 bottles of Bars Leaks into the radiator and limped home.

My question is should I replace the exhaust manifold gaskets and get a valve job (90k mi. ) while replacing the head gasket? I was going to install 60lb exhaust springs and a Pacbrake since it is apart ,any suggestions? Ideas to repair the radiator?

thanks

Keith

 

[T. Baker]

I doubt you would have to do anthing to the valves. 90k isn't that many miles. How much boost were you running when it went? My dad fixed a radiator on his truck with JBweld and it has held. I have done alot with steel epoxy or JB weld also and none of it has ever failed!

 

[DHRA]

Call the local stealer and get the head gasket kit. It comes with the bolts and the proper gaskets to replace. Be sure to have them include the 6 rocker arm/head bolts as my stealer always forgets.

First time I blew a head gasket I changed the valve springs, it's the best time to do it. The rocker arms are off and you will have to set the clearances on the valves anyway (valve job). No answers on the radiator, sorry. Good luck.

 

[illflem]

I swear by J-B weld but not on my radiator. Buy a new one from a radiator shop, not the dealer.

 

[Hittinger]

Boost was around 32psi

Boost was running around 32psi when the head gasket went. Towing the TT. in the desert with the temp around 110-120 deg. probably stretched the head bolts due to the boost going up to 38 psi and down because of the hills.

I would not feel good putting a band-aid on a radiator as a permanent repair. You must have faith that your tow vehicle will get your family home without breaking down.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The early style head gasket is prone to that kind of failure. The replacement, 3283335 (Cummins #) is much better. It's hard to r&r the head without removing the manifold so get those gaskets. I have reused my head bolts several times, still torque to 115-120 well. Definitely get a good valve job, there is no reason why diesel valve jobs should last forever, and they don't. When the valves leak, you lose compression. That hurts double on a diesel because the compressed air gets hot and that fires the fuel. So you lose compression and ignition quality. You can lose hp and not notice it that way.

 

[LarryB]

There may be some confusion here regarding the difference between "Valve job" and "Valve adjustment". This is the way I've always understood it.



A "valve job" usually includes at least:

Removing the head, removing the valves, cleaning/inspecting all, replacing/grinding valves and seats as needed, replacing guides as needed, lapping valves to seats, replacing guide seals, re-assembling.



A "valve adjustment" includes:

Only adjusting valve stem to rocker clearance.

 

[patrobertson]

I just did my head gasket about a month and a half ago. I had a shop in Salt Lake City, Jack's cylinder heads check my head out and everything was good. He had to take off about 8thous. and resurface it, but the valves were perfect. Installed new seals and all that for 189$ My truck was at 174K so almost twice yours. The new gaskets are better and the kit comes with new seals and what not for almost everything on the head. If you have any question email me. -- email address removed --. My truck is a 96 5spd. Good luck.



Shane Robertson