Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cylinder head swap

[Red Rocket]

I know someone who has a cummins 8. 3, its a 1991 engine with a p7100 on it. It has leaks all the way around the head gasket, and his in house mechanics, don't want to touch it. They think the head is cracked, but how likely is that, I looked at it and there is no visible cracks. Could it be a head gasket instead? It's in a Peterbilt, so access is no problem. What are your Thoughts,

Thanks,

Nick

 

[JIM S.]

are they wanting to get rid of it? or are you going to fix it for them? if you are thinking of buying it and if its a really good deal then go for it, change the head gasket and youll have a good 8. 3!

But I am not a diesel mechanic..... so what do I know.

Jim

 

[Red Rocket]

No, they want this truck fixed, but their mechanics are telling them this is too complicated for them, and I don't think the cummins is a complicated engine, especially in 12 valve. Anybody done this swap?



Nick

 

[TPCDrafting]

my observation

I watched a mechanic take the head off my truck to only retrieve a valve that accidentally dropped down in the cylinder (don't ask) We swapped out the head gasket and put it all back together. Be sure to have a manual on hand because there were very specific (and somewhat strange) instructions for re-torqueing the head back on. I'm not a mechanic so I pretty much just watched and asked questions. I actually enjoyed observing and learning more about diesels and my truck than I ever thought I'd know. From a laymens perspective, it didn't seem like rocket science, still more than I'd want to get into myself. You'll most likely need help lifting the head off, it's pretty heavy.

 

[BWilson]

Should be a walk in the park. The ehad assy is very straight forward. I'd take it off (should only take a couple of hours) and get it checked for cracks before re-installation. Any decent mechanic should be able to handle this (I would think).





Great time to add an aftermarket manifold too (does ATS sell one for this model?)

 

[Ram_Kowboy]

I don't spin the wrenches, but I do sell the parts! The 8. 3 is a very easy engine to work on. It would only take a little extra time to take that head down to a machine shop to have it magna-fluxed. It will cost you about $ 25. 00 and will tell you for sure if it is cracked or not. Even if it is cracked I can still use it as a core and sell you a remanufactured head.