head gasket leaking h2o

[imfixinmopars]

we have a 2000 ram diesel thats leaking antifreeze from the front area of the head.how big of a job is this? i want to do this myself,what do i have to know.would a valve job be in order or not at 250k?please help w/ any info,thanks

 

[J.Keith]

Not too bad of a job at all.
If you have the gasket it can easily be done in a day if you know your way around a Cummins.
I wouldn't worry about doing a valve job on it unless you have some prior indication that there is a problem.

 

[Batman]

Watch your back, the head is very heavy.
I would suggest getting a repair manual and follow the steps.
Good luck

 

[imfixinmopars]

im thinking of a cherry picker,my back hurts just thinking about it,do you have to replace the head bolts too? thanks guys

 

[J.Keith]

A cherry picker will work. I use a special tool I have called "Friends"

If you can afford it I would replace the stock headbolts with a set of ARP or comparable 12mm studs. You wouldn't really have to on a stock truck but it's nice insurance! They will run you about $450 from Summit.


You know I just read your first post again and I just wanted to make sure it is your HG. If it's coming from the front it could possibly be the T-stat housing thats leaking. Just a thought but I don't see alot of blown HG's on the Cummins unless they are modified. I have a 98 with almost 270k on it and never a problem and it's been making 450hp for the last 100k.
Just trying to see of I can save you some work. Maybe you could post a picture of the leak?

Good Luck!
Jeremy

 

[Mopar1973Man]

Batman was suggesting getting a Service Manual... Well if you want it here it is for downloading...

2001 FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL - DODGE TRUCKS

The file is a PDF but it covers everything for your Cummins truck...

 

[imfixinmopars]

thaks guys, when the truck gets back in town,i will ck the leak out further,its on the road for us a lot,so its hard to pin it down,mike

 

[Batman]

Mopar1973man, thanks for posting the link. I don't remember where I bought my service manuals from, but they have helped me tremendously in the past.
George

 

[Mopar1973Man]

Your Welcome... A little knowledge goes a long ways...

 

[holtzer1]

cummins is by far the easiest diesel to work on yourself....take your time, have some buddies over and your set. just leave the beer for after its fixed.