Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Time for head gaskest... just a few questions.

[DPF_free]

Hi, guys new member but long time researcher on here and other places... But I decided to Join TDR because it seems to have the most useful info when it gets to technical things so I figured I'd get my info from the guys here

Well anyway, over the weekend on a trip back from the great state of Florida, bring a friend and about 8-10k worth of trailer to Denver, going through kansas my truck started running just slightly warmer than earlier in the trip. I had to get fuel and decided to check coolant level which was fine and did not look contaminated at all, but the head was slightly leaking on the right front corner, oil looked fine and no signs of boost leaking into water or oil, so I continued on much more gently to Denver. where the truck is now parked. (oh and smarty was on 2 the whole way)

So after a lot of looking around on this issue It seems to me that I need to pull the head and take it to be checked for any deformation or worse :{ and possibly surfaced , and that at my mileage I should have valve seats done and re seal them

I'm planing on putting in Studs and going with A Cummins HG ( I assume i need to get my head checked before I know if I will need an oversize one)

Are there any other things I should consider doing while I have the head off and at a shop, not wild like cut the intake off though :-laf or any other parts that should be inspected, replaced or that I may need to buy other than the Cummins upper engine Kit and the Studs. Assuming my head is fine of course.

Thanks In advance guys, If I have missed any good reads in this forum please link me so I can read up.


And naturally all this comes literally 3 weeks after I had the whole front off to do CAC, Rad and front main :-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[SAndreasen]

I'd suggest getting a factory service manual and follow it to the letter I'd also suggest resurfacing the head unless the machine shop says no . Also it takes lots and lots of cleaning to do the job right you'll want to tap the holes in the block for each head bolt then clean em good I rigged a straw up in the shop vacuum and sucked each one out after tapping them

 

[Wayne M.]

Definetly get the factory manual and read up.
Sounds like you're proficient and may do it yourself. Just know it's HEAVY and it can't be slid around on the deck surface.
I guess studs would be good but otherwise stick to OEM parts.

Welcome to the TDR!

 

[DPF_free]

Hey guys thanks for the replies, already got my FSM, can't live without that lol. I will definitely be giving that shop vac idea a try!

Talking to the guy at the machine shop about what I'm planing on doing with the truck we may do some springs as well since I do plan on going to some twins for towing in the not too far off future, but that's not set in stone yet. I figure I will do the OEM cummins upper gasket kit and get all the seals and other gaskets changed out while the gettin is good.

I'm definitely gonna use a cherry picker and a second set of eyes to get her in and out of there... slow and steady for sure wins the race here! Shes coming off this weekend, hopefully all goes well.
Thanks again guys.

 

[DPF_free]

Hey guys just thought I'd share a pretty convenient way to keep all your valve train parts together for reinstalling… the little hdx 9.99 2 pack fits everything very well and there is almost no chance of the dog coming by and mixing it all up.:-laf

 

[Wayne M.]

I like that. Nice and organized!
So what was your plan of attack, and what did you find?

 

[DPF_free]

Dropped her off at the machine shop today gonna surface and pressure test it, 3 angle valve job, check the guides, do new seals and Hamilton 103# springs… the gasket was completely worn through at the main water passage right under t stat and terrifyingly close to making it to cyl 1 but it didnt… block deck looks no worse for wear.

All my valvetrain wear is minimal and smooth, except the 4,5,6 rocker trunnions… those have some pretty nasty groves worn into the bottom maybe 120 degrees of them, so I gotta get that sorted, luckily they did not mess up rocker bores

 

[Wayne M.]

Nice. Thanks for the update. How long have had the truck? Sig says 315k mi.

 

[DPF_free]

I've had it for about 4 years and since like 220ish, bought her at an auction for 6300$ bone stock but in good shape, it was risky but worked out pretty good… I plan on keeping her running basically forever

 

[DPF_free]

Hey guys just thought I'd give one final update on how this turned out… so head was fine to machine, but all the valves were toast so they were replaced, exhausts are inconel.
Aprox .007 was surfaced off the head.
New exhaust guides, intakes were fine
Hamilton #103 springs
Hamilton hd push rods
New OEM trunions

I also took care of the banjo seals on the fuel return lines and the gromets at the return T

And then my dad who is an old hot rod guy got involved and it ended up like this :--)

A bit more than just a head gasket but it was fun and I'm hapoy with how things turned out… thanks guys, see you around

 

[Wayne M.]

That's what it's all about!