What to do with heads

[ehk]

Hi Guys,
My stock '05 Powerstroke is in the shop with at least a blown EGR cooler. Tear down in progress to see what the warrantee company will pay to do. Since it will be at that point, I decided to go ahead and do ARPs with stock Ford gaskets. I've heard different advice about having the heads gone over by a machine shop. Is this unnecessary if the head gaskets are intact, or should it be done regardless? I don't want to spend the money for nothing, but neither do I want to be doing this again. Thanks for the advice.

[powerstrokecrzy]

Very necessary, regardless. Rather do it rather than be doing the job again. Well worth the investment.

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[Tuscany]

Definitely send the heads to a machine shop to be checked out. You will most likely have to pay for that out of pocket though as it isn't part of Ford's protocol in head gasket repair.

[Six0~Stroker]

You REALLY want to take those heads off and get new OEM gaskets. Also, you need to machine those heads flat at a REPUTABLE machine shop that KNOWS the 6.0 heads. Not many of them. You cannot take more then .008 without messing with the valve clearances (lots of money) but most are fine with that tolerance.

Then put back together with, OEM gaskets, Machiined heads, clean block surface, and ARP studs.

[ehk]

Sounds like time to look for a machine shop. I don't suppose anyone knows of a good one around Melbourne, FL? Thanks for the replies. The piece of mind alone is probably worth it.

[kcoyner]

What ever you do to your truck DO NOT PUT IT BACK TOGETHER WITHOUT CHECKING AND SURFACING THE HEADS!!!

Just sayin!

k

[onebadcoastie]

Clearwater Cylinder Head (Odessa) is located, you guessed it....Clearwater! If you have the means to get over there, do it!! Great prices, great people and very reputable. I have a set of their brand new castings in my living room for install next week.

[20Kevin02]

ALWAYS MACHINE HEADS never want to put a warped head back on and be right back at the starting gates

[ehk]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like it's unanimous. I appreciate the info. I would have been kicking myself if I found this out the hard way. If I can't find anyone with a good reputation closer, I'll try to head over to Clearwater.