When did they change over to the better head gaskets

[FordGuy100]

Well I was waiting for my body filler to dry, so I decided to open the hood and you know just stare at things to waste some time. I looked at the engine spec sheet on the passenger side valve cover and found out that my truck was built in September of 1984.

Now if I remember right there was a couple different head gaskets over the years for the 6.9, and I was wondering when they switched over to the later/better head gaskets?

 

[jauguston]

'83-'85= Some problems.

'86-- Ok

Jim

 

[Diesel JD]

Not quite true...my 86 blew head gaskets at 153K miles. Its the gaskets, but its also head bolts CDR and a bunch of other things. Most trucks have had at least one refresh since new and now a lot of them have the latest gaskets. We'll see how long those last. On the other hand, some folks have gotten real lucky especially with the 86 and 87 trucks and never been inside the engine at all.

 

[69oiler]

yeah my lousy '86 gaskets only lasted 292k.

seriously, i think '84 was still a bad year for gaskets, to answer your question.

 

[sassyrel]

diesel dj---brothers has 193,000 on it--never had the heads off--though the intake--and front stuff all been off--lifter retainer broke--and ate the cam---sheesh--