Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Replacing head gasket..any suggestions?

[Henry]

[B[/B]#@$%!

So after purchasing an inspection mirror, I finally locate my coolant leak in the rear of the block, under the cowling and near impossible to see. It is definately the head gasket. I have 120K on the truck now and am going to tear into the beast this week. Is the Cummins head gasket the way to go ($85. 00 at Cummins Northwest)? I plan on replacing the exhaust manifold gaskets since I have to take off the exhaust manifold anyway. Without getting carried away, is there anything else that I should do / replace while I'm in there? There are some good threads that somewhat address this, but they vary considerably. I have never taken the valve train apart and would appreciate a step by step on how to do this along with adjusting the valves if someone has an old thread saved or a link to a how page or video. I don't mind doing it, but I want to do a quality job that will hold up.

Thanks in advance folks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

A search of the forum should bring up a lot of suggestions. You can also access back issues from the home page. Two places to look are Issue 60, p. 21, and Issue 62, p. 17. Also, be aware that there are small soft plugs on the passenger side of the head near the exhaust ports. I have seen the rear one, close to the passenger side rear corner, rust through and leak.