Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Head gasket leaking?

[Dieselnut59]

Hello. Have any of yall had a problem with a leaking head gasket on the exhaust side of #6 cylinder? This truck has been run pretty hard and the waste gate on the turbocharger crapped out years ago, so I know it is making "excessive" boost. It is a 1998 model with 209,000 miles. It is a cab/chassis 3500 5 speed with 9 foot enclosed service body. If we have to replace the head gasket, is there anything yall recommend, such as head studs, improved head gasket, etc? What all do I need to purchase before the job? We have torque wrenches and most common hand tools.

Thanks! John

 

[GAmes]

Since you are pulling it anyway you might as well have a valve job done. No need for studs if you are basically stock. Cummins head bolts are reusable, a gauge to measure for stretching comes in the kit. I recommend getting a genuine Cummins gasket set, a few more $$$ but will save you money down the road. It comes with injector gaskets, t-stat gaskets, everything you will need plus some. Maybe a new set of injectors if you feel like it. A new t-stat won't hurt. Get the wastegate fixed. It weighs 140 pounds FYI. Using a hoist of some kind is a good idea. When reinstalling use two of the long tower bolts in the front and rear holes next to the exhaust ports to guide the head down after you get it within a couple inches of the block. That will keep you from damaging the gasket by inadvertantly moving it sideways to get it onto the guides. Did I mention the head is heavy?

 

[Dieselnut59]

Thank you for your advice!! It is not stock, but not too "wild" either. The cam plate is slid and the star wheel is turned and it has a straight pipe exhaust.