Change head gaskets while engine in the truck?

[ScottyP5947]

I have been loosing about 1/4" coolant every 2 weeks out of my degas bottle. I've looked everywhere - I still have not found my coolant leak, I just ordered a UV dye that is compatible with CAT ELC coolant and plan to pick up a blacklight bulb from from Home Depot.

If I still can't see anything - next up is a block test/ pressure test.
Oil still looks water free.

Ok - so worst case scenario, I have a blown head gasket. (Cracked block or head would be worse, I know) I doubt I have blown a gasket, but I want to be ready for it if I have to end up doing them. Can I change the gaskets in the truck? Has anyone out there done it that can offer some advice? I would use studs going back together and do the valve springs while it was apart, but I would really not want to have to go down this road. How heavy are the heads?
That's what makes it look hard!
Thanks -
Scott

[Stroken7.3]

Does it settle to one level then stop? or will it drain your degas tank? I fill mine up and it will drop about 1" below the fill and stay there, been like that it's whole life .

[ScottyP5947]

I am not refilling it this time around, I will see how far it goes. Its just strange, the cold reading never used to move at all.
Strange.

[Stroken7.3]

Keep posting on this.

[ScottyP5947]

Nobody has done head gaskets in the truck?

[ralph]

ive never done them on my SD, but have done them on lots of gas rigs. camper special with 390 is bout as close as ive come. i would try that before yankn the whole block. possibly injector cups?

[SOHCPOWER]

I just got done doing heads in the truck. To put the heads back on you pretty much need a cherry picker. They are stupid heavy but it is doable for sure.

[Dixienormous]

i have to fill my degas bottle every once in a while never thought any thing of it, its been like this as far as i can remember

[Dietoremain]

Originally Posted by Dixienormous

i have to fill my degas bottle every once in a while never thought any thing of it, its been like this as far as i can remember

not normal.. i have a small crack in mine and it never goes down for months..