Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Head Gasket

[CESpitz]

From time to time I have seen different comments about what to use for head gasket. I am working on a 97 what should I
consider for gasket I will be using ARP studs. I hope to push something north of 400hp
Thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

[AllianceDiesel]

Stock with headbolts will hold major hp

 

[CESpitz]

Thanks for the help

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I ran the stock gasket with re-used stock bolts and had no problem until 800 HP and 28 deg. timing.

 

[Big Red 94Ram]

I thought the stock bolts are Torque to yield?

 

[CESpitz]

Joe Thank you for the information
the shop manual I have is for a 95 would 97 be the same and I did not see any information about re torque after it has been run for a while
I appreciate all the help if I can save a few dollars and still have a good motor I am all for it Carl

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I torque the head bolts 30-60-90-115-check at 115 or 120 if they go up that far. Many of the medium length bolts start stretching around 115 ft lb so stop there. Clean and lightly oil the shoulders and threads, let them drain off excess oil. Mop out every head bolt hole in the block with about 100 Q-tips total. Otherwise, the coolant and oil will be forced to the deck surface when you start the bolts, and you know what that does to gasket sealing. Also use a razor blade scraper and lacquer thinner to thoroughly clean the surfaces.

 

[Shadrach]

Cummins head gasket p/n 3283335. David

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I went with the less expensive ARP studs on my '98, and as it turned out it was a step in the wrong direction. I lost a head gasket a year or so later because one stud broke. Then a couple years later one of the nuts snapped in two and the head gasket started leaking again. Next time Cummins head bolts are going in!

 

[Woodenhead]

Vaughn, was the broken stud corroded?

CESpitz, As mentioned above. use an OEM Cummins head gasket, don't go cheap on this. I've always found the local Cummins outlet (Cummins Northwest for me) had the best prices on head gaskets and was the best way to be sure you get the real deal.

 

[JMcCoy]

How cheap is cheap? So I know which oneshould not to get. Was it the $500 set or cheaper? I sure don't want to spend $1000 on studs. Thanks

 

[The patriot]

^^ I think he means to say...get a genuine Cummins gasket.

 

[JMcCoy]

I'm sorry, I confused the two posts. I'm reading off this stupid phone. I meant which inexpensive arp studs.

 

[CESpitz]

To Joe Donnelly
I think you wrote that a head surface had to be certain finish to get a good seal
did I remember this correctly if so could you refresh my memory and ex plain how I can
get that finish THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP
Carl

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Per factory service manual:
Surface finish requirements are 1.5-3.2 micrometers
(60-126 microinch).

This is very smooth, and you cannot catch a fingernail in the surface "scratches".

 

[CESpitz]

Thanks Joe I appreciate the help