97Dually

Well, after my headgasket was a bust, I had to do some fixun.. When we tore apart the top end we found that HG had failed right where I figured. At the rear ABOVE the freeze plug and slightly toward the passenger side. Waterjacket leak.....

So, I added the ARP headstuds (kit). That wasn't too bad. Didn't have to do a lot of grinding, just a little tapping. Mostly on the studs close in. The outter ones were easy. Torqued a few times, cold-hot-cold. Final was to 125lbs. Man, that's scarey... But so far so good. --Oh, I forgot to mention..the head was almost perfect and the Cummins Marine gasket is what I used...

Next was the exhaust manifold. Ripped it out and went ATS three pice. Nice unit and after a little edge removing, a sweet upgrade.

Also, we pop tested the factory inj's. All of them were firing at 22lbs not 24. So a shop shimmed them and they sound like new...

This was on my 98 12v. I do have a question though..Why did I loose my top end? I wonder if the valve job is too tight? I can't imagine the timing slipped. BUT, man does this m,otor sound at least 30% quieter....

Any ideas why top end is gone?

Tom