Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Head gasket

[Otis Calhoun]

Is there any clues that will give you any idea if the head gasket has been replaced? I bought my truck a couple of months ago ( 98 5 speed,3500,2 wd,dually)there was an exaughst manifold bolt missing. I bought a new one from cummings and had a hard time getting it in because the gasket was bloking the hole some. After taking a small knife to it I was able to get the new bolt in . the truck has 200k on it ,Im just hopeing the head gasket has already been replaced. What can you look for ? thanks Otis

 

[Mundgyver]

Why do you think the head gasket might have been replaced The exhaust manifold bolts are known to come loose and fall out from time to time. I think there is a Technical Service Bulletin on that. If the truck is running good and you don't have any oil in the water or water in the oil and your compression is good, my bet would be that it is the original head gasket on it.

 

[GWall]

Its CUMMINS!!! not cummings.

 

[Otis Calhoun]

the exaughst gasket has been replaced, and put back on incorrectly.

 

[ata]

The engine is assembled at the factory and then painted so the groove where the block and head mate is painted over. If the head gasket has been changed that groove will be free of paint and you can see the gasket. Best way I know of telling.

 

[Otis Calhoun]

That makes perfect sense, Easy thing to check. Thanks for the effort, Otis