I would also check your state lemon laws.

 

Tuners will cause more issues compared to stock. It's like that in FI race apps as well, no different. If the tune is not 'perfect' w/20+psi of boost you will lunch a head gasket. That's why supercharged/turbocharged guys are always lunching HGs at the track...higher hp= custom tune = higher rate of HG issues. The stock tune is always the safest/most reliable in forced induction apps. You can put in ARP studs but that's only a band-aid fix for a bigger problem, if the bolts were the issue then 'every' PSD would have HG issues as soon as the owner got into the throttle/boost.

Personally I think it's pointless spending money trying to make an 8k Lb truck go faster, esp at the sacrafice of reliability. .02

 

in away you are right. But I used to enjoy our 40 foot Searay with all the amenities of home and more that would do 60 on water. Was a real rush to leave one of those tiny go fast boats in the dust. That boat loved the water. Kinda the same feeling one gets from slappin down a vett that trys to get frisky in an 8k truck. Some are happy puttin along like granny on the way to the market for some geritol others of us just like to see if they can't climb that hill over there or make it through the mudd hole, etc. While yur at home watchin tv the rest of us will be in the hills at a barbecue figuring what new stunt we can pull that aint been done before. I'm a firm believer that the only limiting factor is the amount of beer available.

 

I talked to a dealer today and made an appointment to have my h/g's replaced. This is the first time I had ever talked to them but they do the most diesels around here so I gave them a call. I said "Will you install ARP studs", The guy said "Yes". I said "Have you ever done before?", he said "No". I thought that was pretty cool. found them online at NorthernAutoParts.com for 409.99. Sounds like a good deal to me.

 

In a way I agree. However, don't forget that sticking turbo vanes in stock trucks create MANY of the HG problems. Head studs can protect against this, gauges can help detect (and digital ones can alarm) problems.

After the warrantee expires, head studs, gauges, EGR and EGR cooler delete - all will help reliability!! If you go that far ....... why not TUNES?? Extra towing performance and better mpg are real nice things to have.

 

Hey bismic you hit the nail on the head. That is a good summation.

 

Not sure I want to wait for the warranty to expire is the only problem. Kinda wish a head gasket would blow so I have an excuse to ARP my engine. Wonder if I can do the ARP's and still keep my warranty? Will have to ask Ford that one I guess

 

Now a boat is a diff story!....fun stuff!

BTW I'm not saying a tuner is a 'bad' thing in any way, it's just guaranteed to make the possibility of HG issues increase (esp w/aggressive tunes) compared to a factory engineered tune. As long as the owner is prepared/comfortable w/that that's all that matters and it should be enjoyed for its benefits ...but no complaining allowed when the gasket gets pushed and needs to be replaced

 

Has anyone did the studs before it blows the gaskets? Also, is taking the body off a have to? Or can I remove the a/c box?

 

I run my truck "like I stole it" at least once a day to keep the VGT loose. I've run the boost up to about 28-30 psi, I don't have any problems. If you are going to run tuners, then take the time and money to get guages. Also, don't drive like an idiot everytime you get into the truck.

It sounds like the head bolts are the main problem. So if you replace bolts with studs with fire ring HG. You're not putting a band-aid on bigger problems. You're fixing the biggest problem.

 

I had my headgaskets replaced as well as having ARP headstuds installed before the headgaskets ever blew and I haven't had an issue since. Of course, I hadn't had an issue before, so I wasn't expecting to have any problems after the ARP's were installed.
As for this being a band-aid fix, I don't think that's even close to being an accurate statement. Yeah, there's still some things that should be done like deleting the EGR system completely, but if you replace the head bolts with head studs and new gaskets, you're pretty much eliminating the future head gasket issues unless the deck on the head is warped to begin with....then it's a band-aid fix.

 

09/04' build 350 CC srw 8' bed. @ 56k miles. Oasis says Turbo, rear main seal and misc molding trim issues. No head gaskets.

I don't hesitate to put the truck into a bind when needed because I bought it to do just that. I tow anything from my MF tractor on a dual axle trailer to all of my hunting gear w/ 2 4wheelers. Currently completely stock. However, that will change this year. (If I do have head issues, I'll not hesitate to install ARP studs, no matter the mileage or warranty. I'll even consider the EGR and Cooler Delete.

Plans are to add 4" exaust and a tuner. I want/need better fuel econ. and nothing more. I'm not interested in drag racing nor do I want to break any land speed records. I just want the truck to work for me, period.

To date, this is by far the best truck I have ever owned. I'll never own another gas model.

I own and operate an independant repair facility and get to see all makes and modles come in for repair. We're in rural america, so I get alot of "working" trucks. We're getting a few out of warranty PSD trucks in, however, most are still in warranty and all I do is service them.

I don't care for anything that GM offers diesel wise and short of the way Dodge just throws together vehicles on the assy. line, I would probably own one. I just know how they're put together and how many times I've had to get on the horn w/ the factory to distinguish what is what. IE" In 02' Dodge had 2 options for PCM's in their 1/2 ton on up trucks. One DTEC and one JTEC. (Jeep Truck Engine Control) After ordering what I thought was the right long block from Dodge, it turned out to be the JTEC setup and I had to R&R again. They did pay for the labor (at warranty rates, which are less than I charge) but a PITA, none the less.

Cheers.

 

I can't attest to the first part, however, I do know that attempting the job w/out lifting the cab is very time consuming. It can be done, however. I have also heard that replacing head bolts w/ studs 1 for 1 while in cab is doable, just not suggested.

 

Dont know if i have HG issues but i do have white smoke when startin up lately but only when it is really cold out. I also get the beer bottle/tea kettle noise when i am in about 5-10psi of boost. Dealer told me this is normal but going to bring it back and have them do a pressure test. If they still persist it is normal going to another dealer. If it is HG hopefully they will install ARP studs i supply. Anyone from CT that can reccomend a good dealership Miller in Fairfield is getting on my nerves.

 

Just found out my self that my head gasket is blown. Ford says they wont cover it because I have a aem workhorse intake. They dont know about my tuner...and they wont. BUT, my truck is an 05 F-250. 1 dealership said it was blown because of all the aftermarket stuff....then the other dealership said they do about 5 trucks a month with the same problem...BUT none of them have aftermarket stuff.
Any questions, call me at 404-274-0097 and we can chat further.

Ryan