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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
All of us mid 05 and later 6.0 owners are wondering the same thing. I can say this "I have closely monitored this and other web sites regarding the 6.0 and I have yet to see one with head gasket problem on a 6.0 with a build date of mid 05 or later. That is not to say they are not out there, I have just not seen any. I have even seen a post on a 6.4 with headgaskets problems (the validity of his story remains in question) but none on the late 6.0. The local tech says all of the 6.0's he has worked on are early trucks and even they are getting few and far between as they fix them and they become very reliable!!!!!!!!!
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 3
From: Florence,SC
there is no major difference in the pre commonized and commonized engine. they combined the e-series style and f-series style components and made one line of parts. funny thing. this is no more. before we were using the commonized head kits on 04s and up. not no more. they went back to the original setups.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
BTH: What is your take on the HG issue then. Are the late 05 and on any better than the early models. If they are the same then why are there not many complaining about the HG on the later 6.0's and a majority of them seem to be tuned trucks also...
Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
Maybe the early years for the 6.0 was a learning curve for both Ford Programmers and aftermarket tuners, and the 03/04 years took a lot of abuse due to programming. Lots of advancements in tuning of been discovered in the last few years to help the engines last. Also, didn't Ford slightly lower the compression ratio from 18.5 to 18.0. Every bit helps. And weren't the head gaskets improved on the newer models?
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 3
From: Florence,SC
no headgasket improvements, no compression ratio change from what i know. most of the head gaskets were caused by over boost conditions and bad quality control. we had some heads that bolts were never tightened on a few engines. when they came out with the commonized kits, the head bolt tightning specs changed. same bolts, same gaskets, same engine.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
05 psd and no problems, no mods, all maintenance done on time or sooner, knock on wood. Build was 12/03. I have no problems with mods but I also have no sympathy for people with mods when they have problems. Choose your poison, but don't blame some one else for the one that you choose. 
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,113
Likes: 3,939
From: Ohio
I agree about quality control with what Bowtie said. International had more of a problem with quality than realized. New heads over the counter did not even meet Ford recommended specs and some techs reported loose head bolts upon inspection.
Mods or not head bolts failed. A good start is resurfaced heads with ARP studs. Do not turn this thread into a argument about warranty issues again...
Another question raised was replacing the bolts with studs and not removing the heads, I know some have attempted this method, I cannot tell you the final results. Best solution is checking the block and heads, apply studs then drive..
Mods or not head bolts failed. A good start is resurfaced heads with ARP studs. Do not turn this thread into a argument about warranty issues again...
Another question raised was replacing the bolts with studs and not removing the heads, I know some have attempted this method, I cannot tell you the final results. Best solution is checking the block and heads, apply studs then drive..
