Aftermarket Head Gasket
 

Is there a problem with aftermarket head gaskets on these engines? I picked up an exhaust brake this weekend and the seller who had built numerous cummins rigs mentioned that aftermarket head gaskets will leak from the exhaust side coolant passages, and that only OEM should be used. Is this true? He seemed he knew what he was talking about but I can't find anything to verify one way or the other on the forums.

The engine is still out and incomplete right now, so it would be relatively easy to redo the gasket if it needs to be done, and I'd much rather do it now than have it leak once it's in. On the other hand, I hate to waste the time, money & effort replacing a brand new gasket if I don't need to.

Thanks.

Genuine Cummins is by far the best. Victor Reinz is sometimes sold by Cummins in a Cummins package even. They are decent, but not as good as Cummins made gaskets.

Enough better to be worth replacing a brand new gasket? The one that's on there now is sealed power/fel-pro. I'd prefer not to, since it will set me back another week+ waiting for parts and then the time to redo it, however if it's worth doing I will.

IMHO it is definitely worth doing, and to make sure you get the right gasket you need to measure the piston protrusion on at least 3 of the pistons to get an average height and tell the parts person, then you will get a trouble free gasket.