I fear that I am about to have to replace my head gasket due to a coolant leak at the very back. I had a man quote me 1000 bucks for a stock replacement or 2500 bucks to do the o-ringing,studs & whatever else. I don't plan on drag racing, but i do like to hit that 45 pounds of boost every once in a while. Is the extra 1500 bucks worth spending. I did get 225,000 out of this stock job before problems. I don't think my truck will handle another 225,000 even if the engine does. I do know the value of using the studs. Where is the cheapest place to get them from. Does anyone know of a good place in GA to get this done? I was thinking of calling CUMMINS, but with their outrageous labor rates, I figured I could probably buy a new engine cheaper. Any ideas will be appreciated. THANKS!!

 

I wouldn't worry about it. Your not pushing enough boost or power to need o-ringing or studs. And if you got 225k out of the last one with your mods, you'll probably be able to get the same out of the next one.

 

Not only that, the head gasket has been upgraded once or twice. It is much better now.

 

THANKS fellows!! I was thinking along those same lines. Is a GRAND a decent price for the job?

 

its roughly 5 hr. labor at most shops.

 

Your price for the O-Ring, should you want to go that route, sounds high (at least for the Dallas area). When I was researching it - I got a quote of $2200, including firerings, 12 mm studs, head decking and port polishing.

An occasional 45 lbs of boost should'nt need more than stock replacment - especially if you get the head reworked, if needed.

Rowland

 

Thanks ROWLAND, I think I am just going back stock. I can't justify spending that much extra for basically nothing that is gonna help me.

 

Rowland,

Where did you get that quote? Did it happen to be Texas Diesel Works?

Merrick

 

I did business with Joe Rogers. Found him on the internet. But he did the work at TDW and used Marks tools so I guess the answer is yes. However, I don't think he works for Mark? It was kind of comfusing but I was very impressed with his work.
Rowland

 

When you replace your gasket and you have some cash that dislikes the dark interior of your wallet send it to Don and have the warm and fuzzy feeling that your cash has a new home as well as a set of head studs.
This should really givve you peace of mind up to 50 psi at least with the engine at operating temps.

AlpineRAM

 

I thought about going ahead & getting the studs. Where is the least expensive place to buy the stud kit?

 

I would talk with Don and get them from him. Since you would already have the head off, it's obviously an opportune time to do it.

Matt

 

Ok, I've got a question. On a second gen how do you get the head over the studs, or do you have to put them in with the head in place. Doesn't look like it would fit over them.

 

Don's got a new set of head studs out that you can put in without removing the head to do it. Haulin, I don't know how you do it, but I've seen pictures of it being done.

 

Check out Joefarmer's thread on the subject over in the performance topics. He's just installed a set and has pics posted as well.

Matt