[mcwhirtj]

Head stud/nuts: Is it Ford Certified?

Well - I have joined the ranks of 6.0L TD ownders (2004 F250) facing a (warranty) head gasket repair - it was "puking coolant" and after doing some research and finding this thread, I took it in for diagnosis. I mentioned to the Ford service manager that I had read (this forum, this thread) about aftermarket stud/nut replacements for the head bolts. He was clueless - and when I asked about the new head gasket, all he would say is that they would use the latest Ford approved parts. Two quesitons:

Q1) Any idea if Ford "approves" replacing the bolts with the H11 grade stud/nuts ? I'm guessing the answer is "no".

Q2) Any one have a way (part # or other means of identifying) the "new" head gasket? I sure want to make sure they are using the new gasket. I don't want this doesn't happen again - even if it is under warranty.

They will have my truck for up to two weeks to do this repair. They are a diesel repair shop - this dealer has an entire building dedicated to diesel repair, and he took me back and showed me an Expedition in the midst of this same repair job. So I did get a "warm fuzzy" that they know what they are doing (Sunnyvale Ford in Sunnyvale, CA).

First of all thanks for a warm welcome..

... Second, I do recommend the switch from head bolts to Head studs, as the design of the 6.0 head only carries 10 MAIN bolts, and 5 smaller ones.

... Once you are ready to install purchase from Ford their NEW upgraded head gasket kit. Problem solved!


-X Marks The Spot! :agreed:

 

[mcwhirtj]

Follow up on my situation (post #32 in this thread). The Ford dealer completed the repair on my 2004 F250 per standard Ford procedure and parts. They showed me the tech bulletin on the new torque sequence and spec. I hope that the new gasket and procedures are sufficient. I have towed my trailer since the repair, on the same grade that blew the gasket in the first place, and had no problems. They did re-flash the computer, which brought with it Ford's annoying but supposedly effective "fix" to the sticky fuel injectors at cold startup (search and you'll find plenty on this topic). The injectors cycle for about 30seconds to a minute after you turn off the engine, to relieve oil pressure from the injector actuators. Since I never actually saw the symptoms of this problem, it is just annoying to me (They make such a noise when they cycle that I have had to explain to strangers who were staring at my truck in the parking lot what was going on). Also - despite some reports otherwise, I did not perceive any noticeable change in power or gas mileage after the re-flash.

Jim

 

[mcwhirtj]

Head gasket or EGR, & update on my head gasket repair.

Sounds like the head gasket to me - but it will be quick to determine if you take it into the shop. Is it still under warranty?

An update on my situation: Since I had the head gasket replaced, I have used my truck daily, and have towed our trailer (~8000 lbs) about 2000 miles, including up the grade (Hwy 299E in N Ca, from Redding to Burney, steep grade out of Montgomery creek) where I believe I blew the head gasket initially. But my last trip up that grade was in November 2006 - I will do the same grade again in a week (July 2007), in summer heat, so we'll see. But so far, in ~10,000 miles since the heat gasket replacement (including 2,000 towing), I have not lost a drop of coolant. There is no doubt that this was my problem, and the warranty repair seems to have corrected it. Note that I had the factory warranty repair - I would have opted for one of the after-market head gaskets and stud/nut combos if it was not covered under warranty, but the warranty repair seems to be good so far. Knock on wood.

Jim