I'm replacing my head gasket and took the head to the machine shop. They just called and said its cracked . Is this common? Where is a good place to get one? Any input would be great.

You could try Car-part (dot) com. I have bought some stuff off there before, but never anything for a diesel. It a place where junk yards can list items.Sorry about your head....

Is there any difference in the years (98.5-02)

I would guess no, but really I have no idea....

No difference in 24v heads. Where is the head cracked at, it is not uncommon for heads to crack? How did they find the crack, magnaflux or ultrasonic x-ray? magnaflux isn't always a real good indicator, lots of good parts are thrown away dur to it, UTI testing is the best and most accurate way of looking for cracks.If it is truely cracked I would find out where before looking for another one, there are non critical areas that would still deem it useful.

Alligatorperformance (dot) com has II heads stock-perfomance. Ive bought a couple things from them and been happy.

No difference in 24v heads. Where is the head cracked at, it is not uncommon for heads to crack? How did they find the crack, magnaflux or ultrasonic x-ray? magnaflux isn't always a real good indicator, lots of good parts are thrown away dur to it, UTI testing is the best and most accurate way of looking for cracks. If it is truely cracked I would find out where before looking for another one, there are non critical areas that would still deem it useful.

He said in the exhaust valve area. Not sure how they checked it but I am going to stop in and have him show me where and how they found it.

sounds like a bit too much heat possibly if it is a exhaust valve area?

I found a local shop that can do more checking on the head. Said they can even pressure test it. If I do need a new one the can get new cummins (not rebuilt) with all the valves for around $1800 which isn't bad compared to most rebuilds.

$1800 seems very high to me. You can almost buy another used but running 6bt for that. I haven't ever priced a head the work there in (for diesel) but it just seems like to much. Keep us updated.

It is cracked on almost all the exhaust valve seats, into the combustion chamber. The second place said about what Napa did, it may not leak but will brobably get worse. It is very hard to find used ones in my area only ones I find are far away and no garantee they are good. Ordered a new one, should be here by next weekend.

I found a local shop that can do more checking on the head. Said they can even pressure test it. If I do need a new one the can get new cummins (not rebuilt) with all the valves for around $1800 which isn't bad compared to most rebuilds.

Whoa I'd go aftermarket at that price

Rebuilt aftermarket are around $1500 so I went with a new one.

Rebuilt aftermarket are around $1500 so I went with a new one.

For a bit more than the new one you can get some porting done as well ................. but I understand wanting a new one. Going to do studs while its off ???? Or staying at the power your at ?

Yes I already have the studs and RV275's, figured nows the time to do it. Can't wait to try it

New head, studs, and rv275's installed! I could feel the extra power right away even on stock setting. One question I have is that my boost while at cruising speed seems lower than before but EGT is also lower. I think my old injectors were worn out and making the EGT higher. I get a little more smoke with edge turned up, but not other wise.