Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Head Gasket let go

[I SPEED]

Oil everywhere...



Time to o-ring the head.



What else should/could be done while it's off?

 

[Ragain]

I just tore mine down a week ago. I prefer to keep my rig all factory stock. No O-Ring in deck/head surface, just a good quality head gasket from Fel-Pro. While I had the head off the block, I had the injectors "benched", bored the valve guides & replaced w/new, valve job w/new stem seals, & milled the head (just enough to make it absolutely flat again).

 

[Cummins724]

Oil everywhere...



Time to o-ring the head.



What else should/could be done while it's off?

You can have the guides, valves etc. checked out..... definately have it shaved. I was told when I had my head oringed that you should only use a cummins gasket..... apparently the felpro doesn't hold up as well. Only stating what I was told by Doug at Advance Diesel Technology..... He said that he had problems with the felpro in high boost applications. He is very knowledgeable & I trusted his opinion..... I am very happy with the work he performed on my truck. I run 50 lbs boost & no problems. Some guys run thicker/thinner gaskets to raise/lower the compression ratio, but shaving the head raises it slightly anyways.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

have the head surfaced and o-ringed, and be sure who ever is doing the machine work uses a mill to cut the o-ring grooves, the hand-cut grooves often aren't as consistant with protrusion which can cause more grief than a non-oringed head.



I would basicly rebuild the head... no time like the present for some very mild bowl work, a nice valve job, back-cut valves, and maybe some better valve springs.



Head work is one of those things where there's never a "convenient" time for it, so while the truck is down, you might as well make the most of it.

 

[Jetpilot]

Pretty much what Forrest said. I would also consider installing headstuds. Our gasket of choice is a modified Cummins marine gasket.



Doug

 

[Jong]

That sucks Doug!!! You might as well put a new exhaust manifold from HTT or someone on there while you've got the head off, too. And head studs too if you already don't have them. Good luck!

 

[J.Keith]

Valve springs.



You won't belive the difference

 

[Forrest Nearing]

sorry, I thought headstuds went without saying

 

[NoSeeUm]

Valve springs.



You won't belive the difference

Whats the difference?



Jim

 

[J.Keith]

Well it's really nice when your valves close at 3500rpm and 65psi of boost

 

[I SPEED]

sorry, I thought headstuds went without saying

Studs have been in since this past September.



Thanks for the input fellas.