So I have fuel in my coolant... and it appears that at least one head is going to be cracked.

For the people that has been here done that is there a better (stronger) head available? I know there is some replacement heads out there that say they are stronger or redesigned but I don't know how they worked out and if they are still going strong. They are cheaper than the OE heads but thats not always a good thing.

I have already done the head studs and ERG delete and oil line upgrades, and when we fix the heads I am going to do a coolant filter system and replace the water pump and all hoses including the expansion tank. Is there anything else I should be aware of during this time that I can upgrade or replace due to the fuel in the coolant system?

Thanks

 

There's not a dang thing you could have done to prevent it IMHO. OEM heads seem the best way to go. Check out AutoNation Ford (formerly Tousley) for the best price (includes standpipes and OEM headgasket) on a head.

 

I replaced both of my heads, although I had only one with a crack. I was told that the remanufactured heads from Ford are actually new heads and that they had improved the design... I'm not smart enough on the 6.0 to tell you if the "new" "remanufactured" heads are actually a better design or not, but I can say that mine did in fact come marked from IH as new. They were labeled new heads on the internal International packaging, but the outer box (from Ford) was marked "remanufactured". Weird...

Like I said, I'm not smart enough on these things to tell you if the "new design" is any better or not, but was told by two different Ford dealership mechanics, 500 miles apart and in two different states, that the new replacement heads are in fact new and a better design with thicker metal next to the injectors. I was also told that I shouldn't have the cracking problem again, by both of these mechanics.

What can I say, this is just what they told me. Do some research and make your decision based on fact, not what I have posted here. I'm just parroting what I heard. But make sure that you install an upgraded STC fitting while in there, if you haven't already. I see you've done everything else.

Good luck. Mine is running great now.

 

Over the years I have found that you get do find a lot of NEW in a remanufactured box.
Part of the reason I was told is shortage of cores that are rebuildable. I got a remanufactured
clutch pressure plate for My Ranger and it was a new on in the box.

So it a roll of the dice sometimes on new vs remanufactured in the box.

But if your being sold a new item it better be a new item in the box.

Sean

 

Thanks for the info!

The heads are at the machine shop now, I am going to use the OE head. I will ask the machine shop if they know about the reman head being new and if they are a better design. If they are I might replace both heads.

They also said something about having the heads machined for o'rings for the cylinders, I didn't get full details but I will get more info about that when I speak with them again.

 

If you do the rings I thought you also had to do the block.
You should check on that.

Also that may take you away form using stock head gaskets.

Sean

 

Got the truck back and all is well, it runs great.

Ended up with a good used OE head, 5 angle valve job on both, o-ringed.

Installed coolant filtration system, Amsoil aux oil filtration system, Billet water pump, updated intake horn and Intercooler pipe, new degas bottle, oil cooler, hoses and belt.

There is a technique that they o-ring the head and the block, they called it "fire wire". They said they use that on engine that make big horsepower like for tractor pulls.

They machined a small ring into the heads and installed a thin wire that sticks up maybe .010 or so. This helps seal the head to the head gasket, no machine work to the block. Here is picture of a head that they o-ringed, this is not my head, they did a valve job on mine.