Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What to do, and what to order when the head is off?

[AOysaed]

I have oil in the coolant in my 00, and need a new head gasket. When the head first is off... :What to do/upgdarde? What gasket, studs, porting, springs etc. etc. I think I will have the top milled due to it might be the hot temp. when the thermostat broke, and I didnt see it before the water was boiling... It was right after that the oil appeared in the coolant water.



Tips on where and what to order, maybe a place they have all I need. I can do the job myself, but have not worked on Cummins before, only Japanese diesels...



The truck has FASS, stage2 inj. , comp. box, aFe filter and Banks intake, and 4" exhaust, and stage 2 clutch.



Thanks

 

[AOysaed]

Hmmm... NOBODY that want to sell me what I need... ? Or tip what or where?

 

[Timbeaux38]

What goals do you have for the truck? I cant tell you how to get there if you dont know where you want to go...

 

[brianv31]

There are several good threads on the head and head gaskets. Check this one out - https://www.turbodieselregister.com...98-5-2002/182582-3rd-gen-head-gasket-24v.html

 

[AOysaed]

Where to go... ? Ok, the tuning I have is about ok for my needs, but I can only run about 6-8 seconds before EGT gets to high, and I seldom use it to full. But what I had in mind more exactly, was WHAT to do whean the head is off anyways? Meaning; If the gasked had not blown I would have done nothing, but now I have the chance to do "something" because I have to do some work anyway. I saw a pic series one place(forgot the URL)on a mild porting job. Question is; Do I really need new springs(I run 40-50 psi boost) What gasket? Some valve work other than usual grinding? Bolts? Such things. Before the gasket leak I thought of a Snow kit to lower the EGTs, but now I maybe can make the engine breathe a bit better?

 

[Timbeaux38]

If you plan on staying "lightly modifed," I'd get a bigger turbo, go with a 3rd gen gasket and do 12mm studs. No need to get crazy with a porting job. Your stock turbo is causing the EGT issue. you may wanna go ahead and put the upgraded valve springs in, but it is not really needed for what you are doing.

 

[OPoole]

A good time to O-ring the head and ARP studs. Do springs if you think you may upgraded to a cam later.

 

[AFarmer]

Fine time to do studs and get in o-ringed. You may want to check into getting a valve job done depending on the shape of the guides.

 

[GOT-Torque]

How many miles are on it? You probably should have the valve guides/seals checked out. I had a couple valve seats that needed replaced when my head was out.



Things you can do while the head is out: port it, o-ring it, valve job, valve seals & guides. It's easier to tap the holes in the block now with the head out (needed if installing studs). Also easier to replace valve springs now if you choose to.



Once the head is installed, you can still replace valve springs (just takes longer) as well as put in studs later. If you can't tap the holes you may need to clearance your valvecover to miss the top of the studs.



With your boost levels I would atleast do the valve work, oring the head, and install studs. If you don't do it now, you will do it later.

 

[getblown5.9]

Get the head magnafluxed (sp?) for cracks... talked to a guy who found nearly 100 hairline cracks in his 24v head.

Get the valve seats/guides inspected and replaced if need be (my 02 had 78k on it when i did my headwork, and EVERY seat and guide was trashed)

Get the head decked to be sure its flat for a good sealing surface.

If you plan on going to a bigger turbo/injectors and running more power thru it, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the head o-ringed.

I recommend a modified 12v marine gasket because it is much heavier, stronger etc. Just take a look at one side by side with a stock gasket and you will see/feel the difference. PDW is the only place I know of that stocks the MODIFIED 12v gaskets to work on the 24v tho.

A set of head studs from ARP or A1 will be nice for getting a good clamp on the head. There are guys who will tell you they run 80psi on stock headbolts etc, and I don't doubt it, but those guys spend more time double checking things, going back for retorques every so often, measuring bolts to make sure they havent stretched etc.


As far as I know so far Timbeaux, unless someone has started making them, the 3rd gen Gaskets don't work on the 24v's.

 

[CSnyder]

I recommend a modified 12v marine gasket because it is much heavier, stronger etc. Just take a look at one side by side with a stock gasket and you will see/feel the difference. PDW is the only place I know of that stocks the MODIFIED 12v gaskets to work on the 24v tho.



The 12 valve gaskets are the best to use but they can easily be drilled out by anyone with a cheap bit. Just use the blown 24 gasket as a template. Thats what I do and it works great!

 

[OPoole]

I stock them also! . 010 and . 020

 

[BILLVO]

If you don't deck the head is there a stock thickness? What benefit is a . 10 or . 20 over if no head machine work is done.