Head gasket failure pics.

[Kevin 007]

Had a head gasket failure as shown in one of the pics, in the bottom front corner of the passenger side head on a studded 6.9. Turboed pushing max 10psi. They were Felpro gaskets, installed a few months ago, maybe 5000miles max. Not sure really what caused the failure, but anyways I have to replace the gaskets and carry on.
Ordered new head gaskets for it but in the meantime I contemplated putting on these other gaskets (Also stamped Felpro) the have the small port of the coolant passage (7.3 style?) but a lot more meat between the fire ring and the coolant passage which is appealing to me. However, what is with that small hole right adjacent to the fire ring? I can't see that lasting long term. Thoughts?

 

[Cubey]

I'd guess the odd hole is a manufacturing defect. I'd throw it in the trash if it has no warranty to claim on. You could try contacting felpro and ask for a replacement maybe?

 

[Cant Write]

I agree with Cubey whole heartedly!!

 

[Kevin 007]

Im glad I caught that before throwing it on.

 

[Kevin 007]

Anyone else have failures between one of the end cylinders and that water jacket? Out of all the idi head gasket failures ive seen, none were here.

 

[Nero]

Usually a failure like that is caused by a cooling issue in my experience.

 

[ROCK HARVEY]

I think what you’re looking at is a 7.3 head gasket with the “6.9 cooling mod” done to it. If you didn’t do it yourself, it probably came from classic diesel designs since they add this hole to their head gaskets so they can sell one part for both 6.9 and 7.3. Here’s a screenshot from their website, and a pic I just took of some unmodified 7.3 gaskets:

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[ROCK HARVEY]

As for the failure, are you sure the block and heads are flat in that area? That’s the only thing I can think of, outside of a manufacturing defect. Also, one thing I recently learned the hard way is that fel-pro head gaskets can be accidentally installed upside-down. The “up” side can be the side with blue patterns printed on it, or the blank side. You have to pay attention to the imprinted “this side up” markings. You guys might have seen my thread recently where I just installed a set blue side up, and realized after getting the head torqued down that I made a mistake. (That’s where one of the junk head gaskets in the photo came from)

 

[Kevin 007]

I think what you’re looking at is a 7.3 head gasket with the “6.9 cooling mod” done to it. If you didn’t do it yourself, it probably came from classic diesel designs since they add this hole to their head gaskets so they can sell one part for both 6.9 and 7.3. Here’s a screenshot from their website, and a pic I just took of some unmodified 7.3 gaskets:

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The hole that I am referring to is the one that is right up against the fire ring, not the punched hole over the cooling jacket.

 

[WrenchWhore]

I wouldn't run those gaskets. Get another set on order. I see no reason they would intentionally put a hole there. I'm with Rock Harvey on the flatness. Check it with a straight edge also check the threads in the block. Make sure you blow out that cylinder head bolt hole and chase it. Could of had some Schmutz down there causing a false torque reading.

 

[ROCK HARVEY]

The hole that I am referring to is the one that is right up against the fire ring, not the punched hole over the cooling jacket.

Haha my brain totally missed that one. Yeah I would not run those gaskets!

 

[Kevin 007]

A fresh set of current Felpro gaskets. For a 6.9, not from CDD. There is no hole half ways into the fire ring. That other set must have been a bad screw up.

Whats the protocol with the rubber plugs/inserts for the water jackets, included but not installed in the gasket itself.

And i've always installed Victor Rienz gaskets dry (no copper spray). Im assuming the same goes for todays Felpros?

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Anyone else have failures between one of the end cylinders and that water jacket? Out of all the idi head gasket failures ive seen, none were here.

Usually a failure like that is caused by a cooling issue in my experience.

I believe what happened here was the fact that the inserts weren't installed in the 6.9 head gaskets. LaineD had the exact same thing happen to him when he made that mistake. His only took a few thousand miles too. If you install the tabs, you'll be fine. Now for the bad news. If you didn't install the tabs in the other head gasket, you'd better pull that head off too.

 

[Kevin 007]

I believe what happened here was the fact that the inserts weren't installed in the 6.9 head gaskets. LaineD had the exact same thing happen to him when he made that mistake. His only took a few thousand miles too. If you install the tabs, you'll be fine. Now for the bad news. If you didn't install the tabs in the other head gasket, you'd better pull that head off too.

Bingo! That makes sense.

 

[Nero]

Ahhh yep that'd do it.