Doing studs, not gaskets?

[Blitanicle99]

I swear theres someone on here that has just installed the head studs, without removing the heads and not doing the gaskets.


Reason I ask, my gaskets are not blown (I think). My EGR cooler is failing... I cannot afford both but I would like to have the EGR system completely removed with some sort of kit, and do the studs. Since my head gaskets are not shot, would it be a problem to just install the head studs?


I am trying to save hella money on labor, even tho my local Ford Tech offered to do it at his personal shop.

[2000 7.3 6speed]

Yes you can put studs on. just do them one at a time.

[Countryboy07]

I wouldn't waste you time doing just the studs and not gaskets. You will be a lot better off doing a full EGR delete and then saving up some money and doing gaskets and studs at the same time. If you haven't looked around, RCD and FCDP both have gasket and stud kits for around $700. I'm going through them when I go to redo my studs and gaskets. Along with getting some new heads from Innovative or Elite.

-French

[Blitanicle99]

Is the head gasket that is changed, an aftermarket gasket or stronger than the OEM gasket?

[Countryboy07]

The Canadians up north were running stock MLS gaskets and putting down a lot of power with their trucks. I know there are a quite a few people running around with the Black Onyx head gaskets with pretty good luck.

-French

[ford_trck]

I would look at the River city kit it is very well made and has good instructions. I would NOT to studs 1 at a time on a 6.0 I know 2 people that have done this and ended up replacing the gaskets in less than 2 weeks anyway. If you had a 7.3 I would say otherwise the 7.3's have more bolts

[Abrannan19]

one word for doing studs one at a time = LUDACRIS

you cannot guarantee that your gaskets are not blown without a visual inspection.

do it once and do it right....