What Kills tuned 6.0 headgaskets/bolts?

[firedoug]

What parameter that tuners change to create additional power cause the headgaskets/bolts to fail?

Are there things people can do to lessen chances of HG failure with tuned motors?

How many tuned 6.0 trucks have high milage without any troubles and what was your key to success?

[SMKSTAX]

The trucks don't even have to be tuned. Mine blew on my bone stock 04'.

[slammedSI]

Its a hit and mis. some pop on the stock ford flash some dont. There are alot of us that run really hot tunes and other mods with out problems. Rodslinger runs meth, n20, and a really hot tune and havent had problems. So there really isnt a way to tell.

[Strõkër~X]

Originally Posted by firedoug

What parameter that tuners change to create additional power cause the headgaskets/bolts to fail?

Are there things people can do to lessen chances of HG failure with tuned motors?

How many tuned 6.0 trucks have high milage without any troubles and what was your key to success?

1-overheating,getting the EGT's to such a high level at extended lengths of time, plus weak/*****y OEM ones that stretch.

2-guages and limitations of your right foot not going to the floor for a long time.

3-putting in ARP or aftermarket headstuds.

[Big AL]

Basically, you are tapping into the extra power that's available when you begin to 'up-tune'. The engine is capable of handling the power. Keeping egt's in check is very important. The original design of the 6.0 was for a certain HP. Increasing that HP stresses / stretches the factory head bolts, leading to head gasket failure. This is why you read / hear a lot about installing head studs, and in some cases, premium head gaskets. These head studs are stronger, resist stretching and are torqued to a degree which keeps the heads pulled flat down toward the block, keeping the head gaskets intact.

[dustindiesel]

Originally Posted by firedoug

What parameter that tuners change to create additional power cause the headgaskets/bolts to fail?

the added cyl pressures stress out the hg

[firedoug]

So it soundls like its hit and miss. But driving like an old man most of the time is your best bet to save the heads.

I have found with my 3 tunes the Extreme 100HP 200TQ setting seems to have the most improved drive experience, and best improvements in MPG. The EGT stays around 600-1000 in most regular driving conditions. EGT shoots up above 1250 for a couple of seconds when I stand on the pedal. Driving reguar the truck feels pretty normal, but the beast can be unleashed if you need to pass or get into traffic.

[LvTitan]

Originally Posted by dustindiesel

the added cyl pressures stress out the hg

there's your answer right there. the cylinder pressures.

that is the main reason why the SCT tuners are so much safer than plug in modules like the edge. the edge simply advances the fuel timing which SERIOUSLY SPIKES the cylinder pressures,

the SCT can be programmed for more or less timing also, but increases the amount of fuel without increasing the timing enough to do damage.

once i have my headstuds put in, i will have my ultracomp file changed from 10* timing to 14* timing.


you DONT NEED high cylinder pressures to make high horsepower