Archived HELP!! Will It Never End? - Another Headgasket Problem

[TStinson]

I bought an upper engine gasket set from a Dodge dealer



The headgasket in the set does not match the original gasket that came off the engine and will not work (IMHO). At the front passenger-side corner of the block is a water jacket passage. The new gasket will not seal this passage because of the way the gasket is made.

There are a couple of other discrepancies, but this is the main one.



The original headgasket is marked with 3942368.

Cummins South Plains says the original gasket # has been superseded to 3945803. Cummins references the engine serial # in order to get the correct part application.

The new headgasket in the set I purchased is marked 3957650.



The supplier says the gasket set he sent to me is the correct one according to the Dodge parts catalog. The # on the gasket set is all he has to reference and does not know anything about the Cummins #'s.

 

[rbattelle]

Forget the Dodge dealer, buy it from Cummins.

 

[DDT]

I 2ed that Call cummins.

How many hours does it take to replace one? I have a coolent leak on mine.

 

[csutton7]

I think you have a 12valve gasket--first time will take all of a long day and maybe a little more depending on breaks and what not--don't get in a hurry--get an engine lift to to help with head removal, unless you have a couple of stout friends---chris

 

[TStinson]

csutton7: do you - or does anyone that is following this - have a picture of a 12v gasket that can be attached to this thread?

 

[TStinson]

To anyone following this thread -

BEWARE of ordering headgaskets from a dealer - all they have been able to get for me is an incorrect headgasket. The parts manager I've been dealing with even contacted Chrysler Tech. Rep. and they had no answer except that the correct part was sent to me "According to their information" which obviously does not jive with Cummins.

Sooo... ... . I called Cummins-South Plains and ordered a headgasket based upon the part # on the original headgasket.

Hopefully this will get the correct part.

I'll keep y'all posted on the outcome.

 

[CumminsAholic]

Usually Cummins will ask you for your CPL# If they didn't they should have and if you give that to them you should surely get the correct gasket.

Corey

 

[TStinson]

I offered the truck VIN, engine serial # and the original gasket #, and the Cummins parts guy said the original gasket # was the surest thing.

 

[csutton7]

sorry I didn't check back on this--I don't have a pic of a 12v gasket to show you anyway, but they are different than the 24v--not much diff but there is a diff in hole sizes on water jackets or oil jackets or maybe both and ;maybe something else--I don't quite remember exactly---



CA--has it right they should ask you for the engine serial # to match the gasket---hope you get it right- ---chris