Hi Guys,

I am about to start re-assembly for a head gasket change. I have cleaned my head and block surfaces but haven't re-surfaced/machined the head. There is some pitting in the aluminum and you can see where the previous head gasket was pressed into the head around the cylinder liner. I don't really want to drop another 2 grand for a new head so was considering using the Copper Spray-A-Gasket on the new head head gasket. I saw in another thread (Confirmed Head gasket leak #3) that someone used it all the time.
I'm also installing new ARP studs.
Anybody have feedback for me on this?

Thanks

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If it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing.
2005 Liberty CRD- GDE Eco-tune, ARP studs, Samcos,

I tried it wtih an overheated head, and it failed, cant be sure if it would have worked on a better head, it is yours to try.

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2006 LTD Bright Silver loaded with all the needed mods, CCV intact.
Proudly supporting CRD vendors, and their development of quality parts and accessories.
Equipped with HDS thermostat, plenty of heat, faster warm-ups, increased fuel mileage.

Yeah. I think my head is in good shape otherwise. If it works I save the cost of a new head. If it doesn't I get to do it again.
It's all about the journey, right?

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If it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing.
2005 Liberty CRD- GDE Eco-tune, ARP studs, Samcos,

I had my head resurfaced and valve seats recut on my head gasket adventure(round two). Coolant light is not coming on and all is sealed well this time. I also sprayed hylomar and made .002" shim rings on top of the sleeve to make sure the sleeve was protruding .002" above block. I used a roll of full hard shim stock from McMaster Carr. All of my sleeves were recessed .001" into the block when I disassembled engine. I would surface the head. It was $400 with all the work done. I do not want to be this far into the motor until I hit 300,000 miles.

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2006 Liberty CRD 275K, JBA 2.5 with Fox Shocks, GDE Turbo Kit, GDE TCM Tune, Suncoast TC, OEM fuel filter housing converted to fit Caterpillar Fuel Filter 1R-0749, OEM themostat housing modified to accept Hemi 203 F thermostat.

I see the manual states that the head is not machinable so how did you decide how much to machine the head? Did you predetermine it based on the choice of head gaskets available?
I'm thinking I should double check that sleeve depth.

Thanks

_________________
If it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing.
2005 Liberty CRD- GDE Eco-tune, ARP studs, Samcos,

I had another look at the head and I put it back on without doing anything to it other than a good cleaning and careful inspection. It's not warped and I can't find any cracks. I hummed and hawed but eventually decided to try the Permatex Copper Spray-A -Gasket on the head gasket just because of some minor pitting. I torqued it up last night and then I torque checked it this morning to see if there was any change after the coating had set. There may have been a little movement on a couple nuts but barely. I'll check torque again before I put the cover on.
Here's hoping...

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If it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing.
2005 Liberty CRD- GDE Eco-tune, ARP studs, Samcos,

I believe the service manual is referring to the valve intake side of the head. The service manual gives a minimum head thickness value. I measured mine after the machining .040" off and it is right at the minimum thickness. Will need new head next time...

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2006 Liberty CRD 275K, JBA 2.5 with Fox Shocks, GDE Turbo Kit, GDE TCM Tune, Suncoast TC, OEM fuel filter housing converted to fit Caterpillar Fuel Filter 1R-0749, OEM themostat housing modified to accept Hemi 203 F thermostat.

Gotchya. I've got it half way back together now. Hopefully this works out. Otherwise I'll have to try that. Thanks.

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If it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing.
2005 Liberty CRD- GDE Eco-tune, ARP studs, Samcos,

I had my head shaved just a couple thousands to give it a perfect surface finish. I used ARP studs with no sealant on the head gasket.

260hp,
30+lbs of boost,
20,000 miles,

All good still...

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05 Liberty Limited CRD, converted to KPA 2863 ball bearing and billet turbo, 50hp injectorsl, complete egr delete, cooling fan delete, weeks intake kit, cummins in tank lift pump, ARP studs, 3" turbo back exhaust, samcos, etecno plugs, GDE trans tune, custom GDE engine tune.