WELL -- THE DEATH KNELL HAS TOLLED.

I've been working on and sourcing a head gasket to complete the head job I started last weekend. While it was off I had it sent to Werner Machine LTD in Mokena, IL to have them pressure test and deck it.

My head failed the test and I was told it is cracked beyond repair

So now I've got a pretty clean truck that was a "pretty good" deal that is now dismantled and looking for some more money to get her back on the road.

HELP!

I called Cummins and the part number for a WHOLE Complete and Ready to Install (less the head gasket) head is #3934730-RX tipping the scales at $1158.95!!!

What do you guys think?

There is this guy here...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge...spagenameZWDVW

Called Diesel Care and Performance out of Tennessee offering a ready to install head for $763 with shipping.

I'm going to call him tomorrow to find out what that's about. If these things are made in Brazil or China or what?

In the meantime... ANYBODY HAVE ANY ADVICE ON WHERE TO SHOP???


Any help here would be VERY appreciated.

Thanks!
~Ed

 

This is not mine but I spotted in at lunchtime.


http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/558496390.html

 

Send a message to redlinear on ebay. He has alot of great parts and they are EXACTLY as described. Also here's one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6BT-C...3756.m20.l1116

 

Now that's more like it. That seems like a really good deal to.

Anybody out there used these heads before?
Where are they made?
Are they good quality?

 

Don't feel bad about that head pricing. I've been trying to find a new head for my diesel jetta and since it is a hydraulic head, they are like hen's teeth. I finally tracked down a new bare casting for $435, plus another $200 to load it up with valves and cam.

Priced by the pound, the cummins head looks like a bargain....

 

LOL -- well thank goodness for small miracles

Before I got this truck I used to tool around in an 81' VW Rabbit truck with the 1.6 NA diesel. That thing died in the center lane of I-55 doing 60 mph. I LUCKILY made it to the shoulder. She died of a head gasket leak that turned into a meltdown.

That's another reason why I was so gung-ho about getting this thing done -- and good reason too as it looks like if I didn't I'd be looking at a bunny truck all over again.

 

If I was paying to have the head repaired what do you think that'll cost me?

Is it even worth it or should I just fork over the dough for a brand new one?

 

I thought your shop said that it was cracked beyond repair?

I've seen talented old-school machine shop guys cold weld cracks in cast iron before, but it would have to be somewhere easy to access and probably pretty limited in scope before it would be worth doing that over a new head. That CL head looks like a bargain.

 

True enough they did. I though didn't talk to them in person but through a friend who picked the head up. I need to place a call tomorrow to get the straight dirt.

The CL would be just fine but for the location. I'd have to pay to have it shipped to Chicago and then I'm paying that money for something I have not seen and can only take the guy's word that it's A.ok. At least with these new heads there's a 90 day warranty.

 

I put an ebay head on mine last year. $650 to my door step. Great head. Then I ported her out, and threw a set of 60# valve springs on her and shes run like a top ever sence. You should be fine if you go through a reputable place, good luck.

Bob

 

It said, $85 ship anyweres in the US

Shipping costs:US $85.00
UPS Ground
Service to United States
Ships to:WorldwideItem location:RAINBOW CITY ALABAMA, United StatesQuantity:6 availableHistory:Purchases

 

I have a 90 that the previous owner rebuilt using a head from a Cummins out of a school bus. The school bus source is probably one of the best kept secret sources for 6BT engines just like the step van sources for the 4BT engines. See if there is a wrecking yard in your area that specializes in scrapping buses. It's usually a wrecking yard that sells parts for tractor trailer rigs. I was visiting a friend that was at an online dealers auction. There was a Cummins powered bus that drove down the auction lane and sold for somewhere around $500.

 

alabama cylinder head ... its a newer style 12v head (notched for p-pump) the one i got came with bee hive valve springs ... i was told these were 60lb springs... it is a nice head best price i could find...