I am replacing the head gaskets on a 2006 Ford F250 I have heard that I should replace the head bolts with studs. Do I torque the studs just like the bolts?

 

No. The studs should have come with torque instructions. If the didn't, you need to get the instructions. That will tell you the sequence, torque stages, as well as the final torque.

ARP is the brand you want for your 6.0, and definitely better than stock bolts.

 

I ordered ARP studs from Xtreme Diesel Performance this morning. I don't have them here yet so I didn't realise they will come with instructions. Thanks for the input though.

 

How can I tell if it is an egr cooler or the head gaskets? I'cve been told that they cause the same problems.

 

Find the 6.0 diesel section of this forum. Then start reading up. You'll get a lot more info over there.

You can pull your EGR valve and check the valve and intake manifold cavity for moisture. Sometimes it helps to park the truck with the nose inclined downward, so any moisture will flow toward the EGR port. If it's wet in there, your EGR cooler is blowing coolant.

You can rig up a pressure gauge on your coolant degas bottle and watch the pressures under hard acceleration. If the pressure spikes, that would indicate a head gasket leak.

Post up your symptoms over in the 6.0 forum and you'll get better advice from guys more expert than I.

 

You'll want to stick to Ford OE head gaskets. Heard to many bad things about other after market gaskets.

As far as a EGR vs head gasket as I understand it there is no way to tell them apart. You must first verify the EGR is good or if bad repair and reassemble and then verify the problem is fixed or the head gaskets are bad. But as bpounds pointed out post in the 6.0 forum to get someone whom knows more than me.