I noticed today that there is slight hissing sound coming below the exhaust port in between the head and the block on my number 3 cylinder. Since non intercooled heads are prone to cracking and this seems to be such a small compression leak I am concerned that it is not the head gasket but actually a tiny crack in the head. I was hoping there was some way to rule out the head being cracked without removing it? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

I think between the intake and exhaust valves....

 

I'm interested in this too...
and if there is something we can do to prevent it.

Thanks

 

I don't think we can do anything to prevent it, but if it happens between the valves it is definitely not the issue I am having.

 

It happens between the injector hole and a valve seat. I don't know which one.

 

My head is cracked in # 1 - 4 cylinders between the injector bore and the valve

I'm still running it with no ill effects
Sounds to me like you got a popped H/G

 

they crack to in between exhaust ports. if u look at ur head and 98 one theres soo much more metal on 98 one

 

I think it's the head gasket too, it's such a small leak, and it's leaking cylinder pressure, no mixing of fluids, so I think it's gonna keep leaking for a while.

 

Well since there is no way to prevent it, what head is the best one to use in our motors?

Thank You.

 

91.5 to 93 with the smaller ( more metal ) 7mm injectors.

 

The 94 and newer heads have better air flow than ours I believe, witch would make more power. The thing I'm not sure about is if the injector angle is different?

 

As far as I know you can swap the later head on with no ill effects. Pure Diesel Power sells em for less than a grand.

 

If its a head gasket, fix it fast. The hot gas escaping can cut like a knife if unattended.