well its time to do a head gasket because its leaking coolant and oil out the front by the front cover...

i want to do it right the first time but i really don't have the money for heads studs. so is the something as good or better for less?

what are the part numbers for the marine gasket and were is the best place to get it?

and who can do the o-ring job? I've had heads done at a local machine shop but i don't think they have the jig for a cummins head.. and when you do that do you just leave the grove in the head or do you put a wire in the groove?

 

are you running an aftermarket turbo? if not, you shouldnt be hitting above ~38 psi so you shouldnt have any problems. but thats not the case......


in short, the only alternative to head studs is to push less boost(much cheaper, lot less fun)

if your machine shop hasnt done a o ring job before, then i wouldnt let them touch my head. its a very percise process and if you get it wron it will cost you more to get it done right. and yes you put a peice of wire in the groove.

 

Having the head o-ringed is a great idea..... This is actually a better solution than running studs. Be sure to check you head bolts to ensure they are within tolerance to reinstall. Depending on your mileage I would go ahead and have the head magnafluxed, pressure checked, new valve guides if needed, valve job, and decked.

I can help your machine shop setup for o-rings if you want to give me a call....

Doug Smith