A Real Head Case

The number one issue that potential buyers and 6.0L owners worry about is failing head gaskets. Gaskets fail for a couple different reasons. First, they can fail because the motor is being subjected to extreme cylinder pressures. This is common among many trucks running chips or programmers to boost performance. Many of these electronic performance inhancers do nothing more than fool the computer into dumping more fuel into the cylinder. When this happens the cylinder pressures spike and can get high enough to blow through the MLS (Multi-Layer Steel) gaskets that seal the heads. Another reason for high cylinder pressures occures during heavy towing with the truck. The added strain of hauling heavy loads can be enough to blow head gaskets. Another reason head gaskets blow is because over time the TTY (Torque To-Yield) bolts that clamp the cylinder heads down to the block can weaken over time. The repeated heating and cooling of the bolts can be enough to cause fatiuge and casue the bolts to stretch, thus preventing enough clamping force to be applied to the MLS gaskets to seal the heads. Another common issue among 6.0L motors are damaged heads or blocks. Many motors came direct from the factory with heads and blocks that were either not completely flat or had minor hair line cracks.

To correct these problems, many 6.0L owners prefer to use a different type of clamping method for the heads. Many opt to use a Head Stud, which have higher strength ratings and clamping force than the factory TTY bolts. The most common Stud used is manufactured by the ARP Company. These upgraded Studs supply an upgrade in construction, durability, and clamping power with ratings of over 220,000 psi tensile strength. Another option to consider are H-11 Studs. These studs are made of high strength H-11 Tool Steel and offer a tensile strength rating of over 240,000 psi.

These are great options to consider but, they will do nothing if the surface of the heads and block are not flat. Many people have installed aftermarket studs only to have problems blowing head gaskets again. The first thing to do when your head gaskets fail is to inspect the head itself. The heads need to be sent to a machine shop where they can be decked and if needed magnifluxed to remove any cracks. Once this is done, a close inspection of the block should be done. Many 6.0L that are exposed to high temps and blown head gaskets for a long enough time develop hair line fractures and cracks in between the cylinder walls. If this happens, there is a high probability that the entire block needs to be replaced.