Head gaskets

[jensenrcng]

Ok I blew my studded head gaskets(black onyx)... Truck uses about 2 gallons of water a day now. Any suggestions on better gaskets? Also what's it cost ballpark for heads to get milled and checked?

[Enterko]

Were they checked the first time you did them?

Lots of people say that the factory gaskets are best, but if you properly check the heads you should be good.

[Enterko]

Also, to get my heads milled, magnafluxed, new valve seats, 1 new valve, and the rest re- ground, it cost around $700.00.

[jensenrcng]

No I didn't get them checked by anyone but ford. I will be taking them to a local diesel shop for them to be gone through this time. What are stock gaskets rated for hp wise? I do have some extra power.

[Enterko]

Thats hard to quantify. I think the 6.0 horsepower record was made with stock gaskets, but that doesn't mean that they last any longer. (Any race motor gets rebuilt often)

[windrunner408]

Well the guy who has built the most powerful 6.0L (that I have heard of being at 1000hp) used the oem head gaskets. I had mine milled, pressure checked, magnafluxed, flatness and straight checked, valve job, and new guides and seals installed and it cost me just under $1000.

[Fred@PMM]

Odds are the block and heads were not properly cleaned or the head was out of spec. Not saying the gaskets cant fail but I assure you if the heads were torqued properly there is more than likely another reason.

[2003kingranch]

id go stock gaskets. it seems like the black ones are dropping like fly's. heres Shawn Ellerton's truck its got stock gaskets

1064rwhp 6.0L Powerstroke Dyno RedNeck 6.0 - YouTube

1064rwhp 6.0L Powerstroke Dyno RedNeck 6.0 - YouTube

[jensenrcng]

so stock gaskets are the way to go? what is everyone else running?

[a2elvis]

OE gaskets for sure!!