B.Law,
I just went through a very similar deal. The big difference is the valve seat came loose and I broke a valve and ruined the head and a piston. I bought a new complete head from Cummins for 1800. Oh and by the way it was a new not rebuilt 05/06 style head. For 4800 what are they going to do? I think that the price is way out of line.
Good luck,
Topper

 

That's a little harsh... I have over 200k on the ticker, never bombed pre 100k.

Madhat, thanks for offering the help.

Lastly, and I am almost ashamed to say, I traded, for a gasser. I bought a 2008 Jeep 4 door Wrangler Rubicon. Granted it's worlds smaller, but the lifetime powertrain warranty is a pretty nice perk. They sure make them plush now days unlike the Jeeps I have been in from the yester year. The only things I tow now days is an 18' pontoon and an ATV, so the Jeep should handle them.

I haven't given up on the mighty Cummins yet, I also bought a 94 3/4 ton Ram with a 12v Cummins. Over all its not in bad shape, body could use a little work, and the spring buckets need replaced, but to no surprise it runs strong. But for what I gave, it was definitely worth it.

I also have to mention that the head was super clean, I idled A LOT, very, very little carbon. Pistons looked good and cylinder walls showed virtually no wear. I guess it does pay to use synthetics and Howes additives.

 

When I started messing with this stuff I had a 1st generation.93W250 many moons ago.Anyhow that "You play,you pay" was mentioned a lot.In fact it was the FIRST thing told to newbies wanting to bomb their trucks.Even said more then " gauges first" which follows right after "you play ,you pay" Its not harsh its the truth.