I've got a little coolant leak in the front,looks like it's leaking out the head gasket,I've got a spare head,should I O-ring that and swap it? what kinda money is involved with O-ringing the head? How much of a sundy-biskit is it to swap the head?
I'm just running the dang thing for now,and ain't planning on modding it very heavy till I'm done using the truck to haul,advice?
Someday I'm thinking I might make it a play truck,possible twins..
Thanks -

Mr.Krabs's Sig:

01.5 Ram 3500,NV5600,2000 engine RV275 Injectors,4" straight,Fuel boss,380k
Mom's 2000 2500 NV4500 C-Brake,airdog150,wrecked...
18.5mpg running with the crowd,22.8mpg running 60mph,over 750miles.
Member-Blowing Smoke Gang

Taking the head off aint too bad, but im like you run it til she blows...but you might want to go ahead and get the head oringed might as well and maybe get some ARP head studs -

stkdram55's Sig:

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 6 Inch Stack K&N Air Filter SuperChips Micro Tuner BD Boost Fooler Hot Rod VP FASS 150 ISSPRO Guages

Member-Blowin Smoke Gang

If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;though he stumble,he will not fall, for the lord upholds him with his hand. Psalms 37 23-24

1-15 Can only Get Better From Here

O ring your spare head, but first check it to make sure its flat and free from cracks in the valve seats. Plan on 4 hrs to remove the head, Its pretty simple just time consuming.... dont forget the return line, banjo bolt & washer on the back of the head. A cherry picker is a EXCELLENT friend when doing this!!

Do a set of ARP studs while you've got it off.

Ian -

IC Smoke's Sig:

CUMMINS POWER
1991 W250 LE Project Restoration
2001 2500 DTT, Darryl Poole TWIN TURBOS Stage 2 MONSTER pump!
2006 2500 4x4 5" exhaust, Smarty JR, AFE stg 1, B&W GN

Any machining needed to install the studs? and where is the most economical place to purchase studs?
Also,what brand of gasket you all like? -

no machining to install the 12mm studs but once ya go up to 14mm there is all kind of stuff ya have to do but the 12's will work fine, most of the Vendors on here can get you some studs there all about the same price no matter where you look...the gasket im not real sure on Ian (IC Smoke) will be the best to ask that he has replaced i think 3 since i got on this site and that was in May -

a stock thickness cummins gasket (From dealer) is what I use, Its around $100

I've had my head off 3 times -

Ahh,so the reason you had to change it was cause' you had the head off.
You keep leaving things loose in there or what?! -

first time was to O-ring the head, 2nd time was a head gasket, 3rd time was a head gasket and had to O-ring the 3rd gen head Im torqued down to 136ftlbs for the studs now instead of 125 like the first head gasket. -

so you recommend torquing the heads to 136 instead? or is that only on the 3rd gen head?

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Sorry to be such a noob,but I only ever upgraded things a little,noticed that over 400hp things came all unglued. -

Ahhh the TQ#'s are up to you, Im running twins, and the monster pump along with water meth so Ive got some compression thats my reasoning for the higher tq ftlbs

Id say 125 on a single charger -

Where is the place to get head studs?,they seem pretty damn expensive everywhere I've seen. -

they are expensive everywhere, your going to spend a little over $400 for a set -

ooof,that seems excessive to me,but I guess they get what they can eh? -

Call Greg Houge, Comp over at CompD he sells them for under $400. -

98.5HOTROD's Sig:

98.5 2500 Ext cab, 2wd, lwb, 5-speed, Dana 80 Power lock posi, 3.54 gears, AFE Stage 2 Pro Gaurd 7, 4" turbo back, 150hp stixs, Smarty, TST PMCE, Helix 2, F1 springs, ARP Studs, A pillar pod with Pyro, Boost, Fuel gauges, BD auxillary fuel pump 20 psi idle, 16 psi wot.SB dd clutch.Coaltrain Diesel Performance 419-392-1678.

hey Ian,im due to start my engine this week,i just put back together everything this morning,only have to hook up the batteries....

im fearing to come to the same trouble as u did,i torqued it to 125 in 5 step as stated by ARP....
i just poored oil into both turbos and lubed everything....... have to check valve lash too.... -

Woligator's Sig:

2001 3500Ram 4x4 dually 35''x10.5'',6spd,K&N cold air,Silicone booths,stealth vp44 cover,new SOVP44,Twins turbos ,200hpstick,12mm headstuds,Firerings,Smarty/edge compe/hyperpack,6'' Stacks,fass150,amsoil bypass filter,2 stage NOS,10klbs HD winch,custom bumpers,12'x8'steel flatbed,12gallon air tank,air suspension,air horn,gauge for everything,10'000lbs of pure cummins muscle and enough lights to be seen from the moon.