Head Gasket Install Tips

Petro · May 15, 2012

Alright Guys, It seems my HPFP is on its way out. Im getting P0088 codes with the typical 2.5K rev limiter. Well Ive been puking for about the last month when I run her super hard, so im also assuming I also have bad gaskets. The plan is to Pull the cab next week or the week after, Replace the HPFP, Replace the Gaskets with Victor Reinz Gaskets, and install ARP Studs along with a full EGR cooler delete. Now Does anybody have any tips about pulling the heads? Ive never torn into a 6.4 before so Any Tips on the process to speed thing up would be great. Will I need anything other than the Gaskets and Studs to do the job? Would you guys reccomend having the heads checked out? maybe ported and polished? Any input on guys that have done this would be great.
Thanks in advance
Dillon

dieseljosh07 · May 15, 2012

First tip, use O.E. head gaskets.

Petro · May 15, 2012

I was told the victor gaskets are OEM

Petro · May 15, 2012

And I Ordered them from Ford . . . .

11STROKER · May 15, 2012

dieseljosh07 said:
First tip, use O.E. head gaskets.

use oe gasketa and make sure you send the heads to the machine shop and prep the block correctly

weazel · May 15, 2012

Surface prep is the key, and mark everything as you unplug it.

dieseljosh07 · May 15, 2012

Surface prep was going to be my next tip, thanks Ben.

Petro · May 15, 2012

Alright, How do you go about Surface prepping the block? Im new to this Gasket stuff and dont know alot about it.

dieseljosh07 · May 15, 2012

Motorcraft metal surface prep works good to loosen up any gasket material that can then be scrapped off with a soft brass scraper. The some scotchbrite pads to finish cleaning the deck of the block. Clean real good with brake clean and clean out the bolt hole real good. The bolt holes need to be clean and clear off all oil and coolant.

dieseljosh07 · May 15, 2012

Oh, and put some rags or shop towels in the cylinders and lifter valleys to keep debris out.

Petro · May 15, 2012

ok Thanks that is super helpful

weazel · May 15, 2012

And blow every thing off with shop air, make sure you get all the debris off and clear

Petro · May 15, 2012

Ok, now do i need to replace fuel lines or naything like that when i pull the heads, what all NEEDS to be replaced when the heads come off.?

dieseljosh07 · May 15, 2012

The fuel supply lines need replaced, they should come with your pump.

dieseljosh07 · May 15, 2012

I meant they will come with the new HPP cover gasket kit. And the injector supply lines will come with the new injector o-ring kits.

Petro · May 15, 2012

Alright, Ill order them parts tommorow.

94.5 Stroker · May 15, 2012

Do you have studs yet? They are a hot commodity, I got one of the last sets available that I knew of, I got mine on Monday.

Dzchey21 · May 15, 2012

Just as a tip Rudy's offers everything you need for a headgasket job, i think its about 500 bucks, i realize you already have gaskets and maybe you could work something out with them on it without headgaskets or something.

Like stated above do you have your head studs yet?

Just take your time while doing it, but these engines arent too bad to work on just alot of wires but everything peels off nicely and out of the way.

I always use warm water and light soap to final clean everything, just something i have been told for a long time that brake clean may leave a film but either way im sure you will be fine.

BFT · May 16, 2012

Intake manifold gaskets
Exhaust manifold gaskets
Copper crush washers for fuel system
Up pipe gaskets (all 4)

78f100 · May 16, 2012

I just did mine, here is my thread its long but some good info and part #s you will need http://powerstrokearmy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14430 . Make sure you torque the rockers by the book, you have to do 4 then rotate the motor and do the other 4. When I get a chance I want to make a better parts list, I have all my parts bags with ford #s on them that I used. Good luck its not too bad of a job.