Head Studs on 6.9 without removal

[darkbluefoxbody2]

I have a nice 1985.5 6.9 that's been sitting on the engine stand for two years. Back then it had a cracked oil pickup tube (low psi) and thats why I pulled it. I installed all new gaskets (Victor Reinz) bearings, and valve seals. (No exguast umbrellas) but "no" studs.
Now I am putting the OEM 1994 093 Ats on it, I don't want to waste a good set of gaskets so any feedback or real world issues would be great.
Should I stud this engine one at a time? Or leave it be? Its not a daily driver but my only CC I have many Ford Idi trucks

Duane

 

[oregon96psd]

Go for it, if it doesnt work the only thing your out is your time. People do it all the time on running engines in the pickup, it works for them.

 

[icanfixall]

So what your telling us is this engine got new gaskets and has sat on a stand for 2 years and never ran... Ok, so what you want to do now is install a turbo and stud the engine. Your testing the norms doing that one head bolt at a time. I don't feel you will damage the head gaskets but cracking the heads is a possiblity too. Its slight but its there. Now about the oil pan. Did you use a cork gasket there or just rtv like the factory used. If you did a cork gasket or any fiber type gasket take it off now. They are a leak waiting to happen. RTV works so much better.

 

[darkbluefoxbody2]

Ok, what I did was install all new gaskets and it has set on the stand since then, its a perfect 6.9. I did torque the heads to the recommend additional torque for used bolts using a Snap on torque wrench. Its not been calibrated in years but only used a few times, I was original purchaser.
I am installing the turbo and NOT increasing the boost, I feel safe with the bolts but keep thinking studs are better.

I did use RTV on everything possible, No pan gasket either and all best parts with 7.3 rockers, newer "Champion Diesel?" IP pump and newer Delphi BB codes, ( Have NEW D's too) Banks 3" Dp, 4" with AeroTurbine muffler out in front of rear tire. In a cc, srw, 4.10, Zf5.

Should I just leave it alone? I have an even nicer 6.9 that will be getting studs, cam, intercooler later and possible swap but its my work truck right now.

Duane

 

[jaluhn83]

I'd say go for it. Very very unlikely to crack heads or cause problems in my opinion.