24V heads cracked and not rebuildable ???
 

I have been contacting machine shops to try to get a price for overhauling the cylinder head and block from an 01 5.9 24V (VP-44) engine. So far all the shops have told me that they are out of 24V exchange heads and that the 24V heads that they have got in as exchanges tend to be cracked under the exhaust valve seats and thus cant be rebuilt. Their advice to me is to just buy a new 24V head.

Anyone have experience in this regard ? I should get the motor that I bought by next weekend so I should be able to clarify the status of my engine pretty soon, but my expectations are currently pretty low based on what I am hearing. Truth, or do these folks all have new heads they want to sell ????

If you are consistently getting told the same thing why do you think it's a conspiracy? And why would you want a cracked head rebuilt if new ones are availlable?

My take is with a low availibility of skilled machinists and higher than normal wages, scrubbing on a cracked head would cost way more than prepping a fresh one.

Just my .02....

I had not heard or read anywhere that cracked valve guides were a common (dare one say systematic) issue on gen 2 trucks. Especially at 200k or less miles. Even more concerning when it cant be rebuilt. $1400+shipping is quite a bit of coin for replacing the head. I guess I will find out soon enough what my situation is....

I know how you feel. Our local machine shop wants my head for at least two weeks minimum for a simple resurfacing.....which is why I haven't done my head studs. With my luck it will probably have valve guide issues too[duhhh]