Replacement O-Ringed Head Options

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Sep 2, 2024 | 12:54 PM

#16

4Kids

Thread Starter

The Struggle Bus¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Joined: Jan 2022

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzpuss

...the thought of drilling out a broken stud in an aluminum head makes my nether region pucker.

I have extensive experience with this problem. I spent the month of May a couple years ago doing this on my V10. By the end I think I invented several new curse words. The good part is that welding stud extensions on an aluminum head prevents hacks like me from accidentally welding the studs to the head itself.

I plan to go with an upgraded set of exhaust manifolds also...and use plenty of anti-sieze!

Sep 2, 2024 | 01:03 PM

#17

TooManyToys.

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Joined: Dec 2014

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From: Jersey Shore

I've usually found that broken exhaust manifold bolts come out easily if you try unscrewing them before drilling or welding.

Sep 2, 2024 | 01:09 PM

#18

4Kids

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The Struggle Bus¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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Most came out that way. I progressed through every tool and trick for the rest, then three required welding as the last resort. Not fun.

Sep 2, 2024 | 01:59 PM

#19

Fuzzpuss

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 3,428

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From: Fort Worth, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Kids

It doesn't exactly stop you from leaving divots in the aluminum does it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Kids

I plan to go with an upgraded set of exhaust manifolds also...and use plenty of anti-sieze!

I went with the BD Diesel manifolds, and after only 6 weeks the black finish is already coming off along the bottom. Somehow I knew I should have stripped that junk off and repainted them.

Sep 2, 2024 | 02:30 PM

#20

Baylinerchuck

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2021

Posts: 2,393

Likes: 999

From: Chambersburg, PA

Definitely the KDD heads. I don’t have any experience personally with them, but lots of testimonials. If I have to have the unfortunate experience of a head gasket failure, KDD is the route I’m going. Doubt I’ll pony up the Benjamins for the ICON heads, but they sure are pretty.

Sep 3, 2024 | 02:28 PM

#21

joe blow

Logistics Pro

Joined: May 2004

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Early build KDD heads x 7years and going strong.

Sep 3, 2024 | 03:29 PM

#22

Motohead911

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 934

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From: CA

I vote for KDD heads, I have had mine for almost 5 years and 50k+ miles, no issues.

Sep 9, 2024 | 08:05 AM

#23

MisterCMK

Fleet Owner

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 24,724

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From: Blue Hill Township

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzpuss

I just couldn't talk myself into the extra cost. I still have a long list of expensive things I want to do to this truck that were higher priority. And the way exhaust manifold bolts break on these trucks, the thought of drilling out a broken stud in an aluminum head makes my nether region pucker. Like Jack noted above, if they offered a cast iron option for the ICONs it would have been easier for them to separate me from my money.

The manifolds don't seem to break fasteners like they do on the gassers.

Aluminum heads would make it easier to weld a nut to a broken bolt/stud and remove them.