2005 Head Gasket Question
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
How do you come to that conclusion? This thread has 228 views, 14 replies (now 15), and only one true negative response. Even with the best of conditions, there are bound to be a few bad ones out there. The lack of numerous negative responses makes me feel even better about my 06 with 45k miles that hasn't had a single problem thus far.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Newtown Pa 18940
You are 100% right! I must say that we might get more response when people see that post. Before I purchase a Tuner or Module I have to know if the bad gasket problem has been taken care by Ford. I asked my dealer about the head gasket problem and he told me it happens to people with tuners! The dealer can tell by the burn on the top of the piston because the injectors have too much power. Please do not get upset with my question about head gaskets I just want the truth. All of the information that I get here has been very informative. This is a big decision and I need everyones help. I do not want my wife breathing down my neck WHY DID YOU GET THAT STUPID TUNER! When I am at the dealer with antifreeze leaking on the ground.At least I am honest.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 1
2005 F350 head gaskets were leaking had the heads flux tested once the mechanic already had the heads off and both were warped and cracked. This happend about 3k miles after I bought the truck used with 97,700 miles (out of warrenty 
). Original Owner, No Tuner, But did tow some very heavy goose neck trailers.
Now I have a pretty solid set up: new heads, racing gaskets, and ARP studs.
I don't know if your heads will blow or not, some peoples blow stock and others run tuners without problems. I would say if you can't aford to fix it "if" it happens don't tune your truck or if you do tune it don't get mad if it happens down the road.
). Original Owner, No Tuner, But did tow some very heavy goose neck trailers.Now I have a pretty solid set up: new heads, racing gaskets, and ARP studs.
I don't know if your heads will blow or not, some peoples blow stock and others run tuners without problems. I would say if you can't aford to fix it "if" it happens don't tune your truck or if you do tune it don't get mad if it happens down the road.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Newtown Pa 18940
This truck has a very good life. I do not pull a trailer but I have one and it is at a island in Va. I keep it parked so if a storm comes I have to get it out of there. If the gaskets or bolts stretch I want to get the better bolts my Ford dealer told me they can not use them! What is up with that. This is why I was thinking about a module. But if the head blows I will not get rid of the truck. This is the best truck I have ever owned. Dodge has it's problems the auto trans are the weak link. So there is no way out. So if the gasket is going to let loose then I think I need to look into a module. And Banks has one that will turn off if egt temp gets too high and the boost will also turn off. I just did not want to spend as much for a module as a tuner. When the head leaks I will somehow get the better bolts installed. I do not want 200 more HP just a little like 80 HP and get better mpg even if it is just two mpg at the max.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
Got ya Skirk. Not trying to start anything. It's all good.
3000 and Adam hit the nail on the head. Anytime you use a tuner, your chances of creating a head gasket problem are increased, or so it seems. Not because of the head gaskets themselves but due to stretching the head bolts. However, not all tuners are created equal. If you do get one, I'd recommend going the XCal3 route from either Spartan or Innovative. But even then, there are no guarantees. Anytime you start turning the wick up, your risk of problems goes up. If you can and are willing to pay for any problems that turn up, then do what your heart desires. However, if you're unable or unwilling to deal with any problems that may be caused by the tuner, then I'd recommend staying stock.
With that said, based on this forum it appears there are less reports of 05+ trucks with blown head gaskets. Maybe the majority of 05+ trucks out there haven't hit the mileage at which this problem rears it's ugly head. I don't know. But invariably, there will always be a few. Hope you get the feedback you're looking for to help you make your decision.
3000 and Adam hit the nail on the head. Anytime you use a tuner, your chances of creating a head gasket problem are increased, or so it seems. Not because of the head gaskets themselves but due to stretching the head bolts. However, not all tuners are created equal. If you do get one, I'd recommend going the XCal3 route from either Spartan or Innovative. But even then, there are no guarantees. Anytime you start turning the wick up, your risk of problems goes up. If you can and are willing to pay for any problems that turn up, then do what your heart desires. However, if you're unable or unwilling to deal with any problems that may be caused by the tuner, then I'd recommend staying stock.
With that said, based on this forum it appears there are less reports of 05+ trucks with blown head gaskets. Maybe the majority of 05+ trucks out there haven't hit the mileage at which this problem rears it's ugly head. I don't know. But invariably, there will always be a few. Hope you get the feedback you're looking for to help you make your decision.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Newtown Pa 18940
Yes everybody seems to be helping me decide not to or go ahead. Noe the thing I have to do is decide a module or a tuner I like the SCT tuner but I also like the Banks Module. I was shocked when I got a call from Mr.Banks himself. I asked about there product in an e mail I sent to the tech department and then I got the phone call from him. Nice person to talk to.This has been a big decision to make. My leveling kit I just asked one post and ordered it that week. Same with my tires. Even my shocks were easy to order but this seems to be something that you have to do your home work. Thank you everyone for the help. It's a shame I trust you all with your advise more than my Dealer! This has been a big help.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
I think some more information needs stated as to why everyone on this forum choses the SCT modules instead of products such as the banks. From what has been stated before the the tuner modules actually reprogam the system software so that it works together efficiently in a non damaging matter. The modules (such as the banks) actually trick the PCM into thinking the engine is doing something less then it actually is, the PCM then reacts 'correct' the issues. Since it is then correcting for the false information it is being sent it stresses the engine components further.
I think what I wrote might confuse some folks.. I will try to find the thread that explains this better..
If someone else could post a better explanation that would help tremedously.
BuckWeet
I think what I wrote might confuse some folks.. I will try to find the thread that explains this better..
If someone else could post a better explanation that would help tremedously.
BuckWeet
Last edited by buckweet1980; Dec 17, 2007 at 09:35 PM. Reason: misspelled a word
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 18
From: Henderson, NV
Originally Posted by skirk55
You are 100% right! I must say that we might get more response when people see that post. Before I purchase a Tuner or Module I have to know if the bad gasket problem has been taken care by Ford. I asked my dealer about the head gasket problem and he told me it happens to people with tuners! The dealer can tell by the burn on the top of the piston because the injectors have too much power. Please do not get upset with my question about head gaskets I just want the truth. All of the information that I get here has been very informative. This is a big decision and I need everyones help. I do not want my wife breathing down my neck WHY DID YOU GET THAT STUPID TUNER! When I am at the dealer with antifreeze leaking on the ground.At least I am honest.
I just had my gaskets replaced and my truck has been stock for life. Between 59,000 and 61,000 I had my EGR Cooler replaced (It blew big time!), Oil Cooler replaced, Turbo cleaned due to sticking veins (probably from the gunk when the EGR Cooler blew), degauss bottle replaced and the gaskets replaced. My dealer said they would have installed ARP headstuds no problem. I still have around 40,000 miles left on warranty so I went with Ford's stock parts. I will be installing a boost gauge so I can tell when the turbo needs cleaning again. If anyone lives in the Las Vegas Valley, the Mechanic at the Ford Dealer in Henderson replaced my Oil Cooler, degauss bottle and head gaskets in 2 days! This guy is quick and very good. LVTitan, have you ever taken your truck there?
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 342
Likes: 1
From: South central kansas
If I were you Skirk, I would look into talking with a different dealership about the studs. If this is not an option, then so be it. If you do not want to be put in the situation where you might have to pay for the repairs, then leave the truck in stock trim until your warranty run out. If this is not an issue to you (I have been told anywhere from 1800-4000$ to have the heads replaced) then tune it with Matt's tunes from spartan, and if the problem occurs pay for it and spend the $550 on studs and be done with it. If your dealer won't replace the studs at your cost for you then you really need to find another dealer.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Bountiful, Utah
I have 30,500 and no problems so far with the heads. Now for the Transmission I am on my 1st rebuild. I am sure that the EGR is a major factor in blowing head gaskets. I did the Turbo sneaky up-pipe with the EGR blocker plate and I have noticed a good 100+ drop in EGT's. Before pulling my boat the temp gauge was getting close to the red zone and my fan was always on, now my temp gauge never leaves the normal zone dead in the middle of the display and seldom does the fan kick on. I get my truck smog checked and the emissions are much lower with out the EGR working. The EGR system is a bunch of crap that ruins motors and has nothing to do with cleaning up the emissions. Sorry I had to vent..
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 2
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
2007 6.0 PSD just got the diagnosis today. Head gaskets failed. I know someone is gonna pipe up and say ya got an SCT ...no wonder.
All I ever ran on was the tow/economy mode from Innovative Diesel, I am not a racer and I do not tow much but I just wanted better fuel economy and with the tune I am getting 1/3 better fuel economy than I am stock. I have seen between 20-22mpg and as high as 24mpg with the tune on stock I get 14-15mpg at best and average was between 12-14mpg.....
All I ever ran on was the tow/economy mode from Innovative Diesel, I am not a racer and I do not tow much but I just wanted better fuel economy and with the tune I am getting 1/3 better fuel economy than I am stock. I have seen between 20-22mpg and as high as 24mpg with the tune on stock I get 14-15mpg at best and average was between 12-14mpg.....
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 803
Likes: 1
From: S CAL
Wait a minute you have an 07 F-350 with a 4 inch lift, 35 inch toyos, Flares, a SCT tuner, and a 4 inch exhaust you never put your foot in it. Man you have will power.
Just kidding, some of the trucks are going to be more problematic to the head bolts stretching then others if for no other reason then the tolerances they are made from.
Sorry to hear that it happened. But at least you have a chance of going to the ARP studs now.
Just kidding, some of the trucks are going to be more problematic to the head bolts stretching then others if for no other reason then the tolerances they are made from.
Sorry to hear that it happened. But at least you have a chance of going to the ARP studs now.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Originally Posted by Kusto
2007 6.0 PSD just got the diagnosis today. Head gaskets failed. I know someone is gonna pipe up and say ya got an SCT ...no wonder.
All I ever ran on was the tow/economy mode from Innovative Diesel, I am not a racer and I do not tow much but I just wanted better fuel economy and with the tune I am getting 1/3 better fuel economy than I am stock. I have seen between 20-22mpg and as high as 24mpg with the tune on stock I get 14-15mpg at best and average was between 12-14mpg.....
All I ever ran on was the tow/economy mode from Innovative Diesel, I am not a racer and I do not tow much but I just wanted better fuel economy and with the tune I am getting 1/3 better fuel economy than I am stock. I have seen between 20-22mpg and as high as 24mpg with the tune on stock I get 14-15mpg at best and average was between 12-14mpg.....
Then I found FTE whew thank you thank you FTE. How much does a head gasket/bolt job cost? I figure I pretty much owe FTE that much.
Truck has 38K HARD miles, I tow heavy and have a heavy foot ZERO problems.
Well I do have 1 warranty claim, my blue oval on the grill developed a disease.
Please take a look at my sig.
I consistently get 19/20 mpg on the highway
15.5/16.5 around town
9 to 11 towing
did I say THANK YOU FTE
ab