Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Blown Head Gasket?

[Harlacher]

I have oil leaking out from under the front of the head between it and the block. I have no oil in the water or any other problems. Do I have a blown head gasket? If so can I still drive it, without doing further damage, until I can get repairs done? I just put ARP head studs in it and I thought they were holding. IS there any chance that I might be able to re torque the head studs and get it to seal?



My goal for the truck is 500 HP, 13 second quarter, and a reliable daily driver. If it is the head gasket should I have it fire ringed or will another stock gasket hold when I get to 500 Horse power. I am probably already there just have not gotten it dynoed. We blew a boost hose the other day and held it wide open for about 20 seconds and that is probably when it happened. The hose held.



Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[ALepley]

Have you done a compression leak down test?

 

[SRadke]

External oil leakage is the most common 24 valve head gasket failure. Park it until you get it fixed. If you're running BD twins I'm assuming ~60 psi boost with high drive pressure so I suggest a set of o-rings when it goes back together.

-Scott

 

[Sticks]

You sure it is the head? You say front. Literally the front as in above the timing cover?

 

[Harlacher]

It is the front, thought it might be from the timing cover but the oil can be seen coming out from under the head. It does have twins and I do 55 pounds of boost if I romp it. That is what we did for the boost test. Is o rings and fire-rings the same same? I have heard of firing ringing the head never putting O-rings on it.

Why doesn't this post show up when I choose View New Post?

 

[MChrist]

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
Type in "Cummins blown head gasket"
Is this where you are leaking?

 

[Harlacher]

Exactly the same place. That one is leaking a lot more than mine is. I am hoping it will last to get it to Jeff Garmin (30 miles)who is going to replace the head gasket. I am not in good enough health to do it myself. Going to get a valve job done at the same time. Not going with the O Rings because I only want 500 horse and Jeff says that the stock gasket will hold that horse power with no problem. The transmission was also built by Garmin and he guaranteed it up to 500 so that is my max. It should all be usable hp with the twins keeping things cool.

 

[Harlacher]

I took my truck to Jeff Garmin to get the head gasket replaced and he said he would be able to advise me on whether o-rings on the head would be needed after he had removed the head. It is going to be another $500 to have it done. My question is, is it worth the extra money. I have heard people swear by the stock head gaskets, saying if they are installed correctly they will take as much boost as you can give them. Others who say above 50 and they will blow. Is it worth the extra $500?

 

[ata]

With 55 pounds of Boost I would O-Ring it. If you don't I think you will be sorry down the road. $500 is a little high for O-Rings.

 

[Sticks]

With 55 pounds of Boost I would O-Ring it. If you don't I think you will be sorry down the road. $500 is a little high for O-Rings.

I agree. If somebody has the head off, now is the time to do it. If $500 includes the machine work, I'd say that's not bad. I've priced OEM head gasket kits and they are pushing $400.

 

[Harlacher]

Just called Jeff and told him to do the o-ring upgrade while he had the head off. You guys have convinced me that it is the way to go. 500 more but I think it will be worth the peace of mind. Even worse added 3 to 4 more days to completion time. I am having some serious withdrawal pains here.

 

[monkeyman]

Old post, but I paid $140. 00 and he will ship. Freeport,Illinois is where the machine shop is
Rick

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

What is the name of the place in Freeport? I work in Freeport.



Dan

 

[monkeyman]

It was a three hour drive for me! Call Steve at Pfeiffers
815-233-2267
he does blocks also for sled pullers etc. I dropped head off on weekend, it was done on monday!. Just tell Steve, Rick with Black Dodge gave you the number
1798 Smokey Hollow Rd
Freeport, Il
if you need any more info, just write or PM,
Rick