Bullet proof
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
This process is done all the time in the Cummins world with great success on a new truck. I think that's where this idea sometimes gets carried over.
But your truck is over 15 years old. And by design it has less headbolts per cylinder so when you loosen 1 bolt you're losing more clamping force then a Cummins. Also you will have no way to really chase the block's threaded holes to clean the gunk out.
Can it be done, sure. How long will it actually hold on your 15 y.o. headgaskets....... nobody can answer that. So if you do it, be prepared to pull the heads anyways at some point.
But your truck is over 15 years old. And by design it has less headbolts per cylinder so when you loosen 1 bolt you're losing more clamping force then a Cummins. Also you will have no way to really chase the block's threaded holes to clean the gunk out.
Can it be done, sure. How long will it actually hold on your 15 y.o. headgaskets....... nobody can answer that. So if you do it, be prepared to pull the heads anyways at some point.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
But it doesn't matter. The age of the truck I wouldn't do it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,924
Likes: 3,644
Lots of people have done it, but as Pete said, most of them were fully aware of the possibility of having to do the job again, with heads off (typically either engine out or cab off). Even more questions on an old truck, but clearly what you have going for you is the REALLY low miles.
I would say more of the people who have tried it post over on Powerstroke.org, CompetitionDiesel, or PowerStrokeArmy. Haven't seen many people followup on the threads after 2+ years to say it worked or it didn't though. I think the FTE members are more conservative and most of the time that is better w/ the 6.0L.
I would say more of the people who have tried it post over on Powerstroke.org, CompetitionDiesel, or PowerStrokeArmy. Haven't seen many people followup on the threads after 2+ years to say it worked or it didn't though. I think the FTE members are more conservative and most of the time that is better w/ the 6.0L.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 103
From: Jacksonville Florida
I just mentioned the video becouse i was looking into doing my head gaskets when i had mine tore down. And the options where cab off verses cab on, so i looked into both. The tech's where showing the options you have. They didnt mention taking the motor mounts lose. And i would assume the exhaust would have to be lose as well. Cab off is what i came up with.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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Removing the heads without lifting cab or pulling the engine:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/en...power-strokes/
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/en...power-strokes/
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,496
Likes: 94
From: So. Jersey
I just skimmed through the article at that link. DO NOT use a grinder and Scotchbrite pad to clean the head gasket surface. Those pads can leave scores in the surface and cause a leak. I use razor blades and a trued flat honing stone for a flat uniform finish.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,612
Likes: 882
The only way to do it properly. I have NEVER spent as much time prepping a block as I did my own, for some reason this setup is more finicky than most stuff I have worked on......plus I didn't want to pull the engine again.
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