Possible Head Gasket Failure - 07.5 Dodge RAM 2500

[skiguide13]

I'm pretty sure my head gasket failed.

No overheating issues, but i have no heat in the cab when standing still, and when I shut off the truck, I have gurgling, and the reservoir overflows.

Is it toast?

If so, I'm looking at either a Promaxx head or the fleece freedom street head.

Does anyone have any input on either?

I'm also going to go with ARP 2000 studs.

I know replacing the head may be overkill, but currently sitting at 230k miles on the original head.

I dont know of a reputable shop I can get the headwork done.

I also think the head rebuild cost will be about the same as a new head.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Alex

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[AK Bob]

It doesn’t sound good, may be worth doing a combustion test to confirm.

https://www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-...6VVBSFTF&psc=1

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[Corkey]

If it were me, I would first diagnose it's the HG, then take the head in to get resurfaced.

I think a new head is unnecessary if you're not pushing power and moderate fueling.

425's or 625's will do for studs.

It sounds like you have an HG about to give out on you.

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[skiguide13]

I'm going to 425s.

I'm not chasing big power; aside from a resurface, what else should I have a machine shop do to the head?

Magnaflux, hot tank, valves?

I'm just not sure how much a shop will charge to give me back a head ready to install.

I've never rebuilt a diesel head before; gasser head, yes.

So im sure there's not much more to it.

I dont have the time to do it all myself, which is why i was looking at a new head.

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[Corkey]

I have 211k on mine; when I put my 2G swap in, I resurfaced the head and studs and did a valve lash adjustment.

I haven't had a single issue ever since.

You could go with Hamilton push rods and springs for reassurance, but IMO it would be overkill on close-to-stock power.

It's something to look into.

Instead of doing a head, maybe consider a FASS or Air dog setup.

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[skiguide13]

Do you have to lap valves on a diesel head like you would a gasser?

Or is it resurfacing it, putting everything back in with new seals and gaskets, and install?

I already have a FASS 165 and 60hp injectors. But that was already installed when I purchased the truck.

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[Corkey]

Your set then, man.

When the head got put back on, I went over the specs for adjusting for a little quieter idle.

I was going off your Signature for modifications.

Could you throw in an intercooler?

Banks or Mishimoto, grid heater delete, CCV delete, catch can, coolant bypass kit, rex max VB.

Few things to consider if you're looking for a project.

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[skiguide13]

Yea, i should probably update the signature.

I wasn't looking for a project; the truck is really for my wife to tow her horses around, haul her saddles, etc.

Ive only had the truck for a month.

If the gasket is blown, I'm pretty, and it already was when i purchased it.

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[skiguide13]

Trying to do the test at the moment, but my radiator keeps overflowing while im idling to get up to temp.

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[skiguide13]

It doesn't sound good, maybe worth doing a combustion test to confirm.

https://www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-...6VVBSFTF&psc=1

I have the tester on there, and it got up to temp and cycled the thermostat.

The test fluid didn't change color, but the liquid bubbled in the tester.

Just sitting here idling, the upper rad hose got super hard, and the reservoir overflowed.

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