INSTALLED SOME MANIFOLD STUDS AND AN ATS ONE PIECE EXHAUST MANIFOLD YESTERDAY ON MY 01 RAM AND NOTICED THAT THE NOTCHED AREAS OF THE HEAD WHERE YOU CAN TOUCH THE HEAD GASKET LOOK LIKE THEY ARE SEPARATING. I COULD NOT IDENTIFY A LEAK BUT I WAS CURIOUS IF THAT WAS TYPICAL AT 167K MILES? TRUCK HAS HEAD STUDS ALREADY AND I SEE NO SIGNS OF FUNCTIONAL GASKET FAILURE WITH OIL OR WATER LEAKS AT THE MOMENT.

 

THANKS

I am no engine expert by any means but the failure I experienced and many others here all failed from the inside out and not outside in.  I cant say I have ever noticed the head gasket out of mine but never paid that much attention.

Thanks for reply. It is the area the head has a couple of notches so probably no big deal. I meant to take a pic

 

 

 

Define separating? With the gasket exposed in certain areas, it could be rusting.. 

Sorry should have done this earlier. See pic

 

Thanks!

I wouldn't worry about that, clean engine though

Thank you Sir

 

Yeah just gonna keep on rolling with it. Appreciate the input guys!