Who sells a reasonably priced replacement Head?

[JDHudsn]

Alright guys I am starting a new thread looking for replacement heads. I am looking at a few options... there isn’t much information out there regarding who has the best replacement heads that won’t break the bank, and who you should stay away from. Let me know what you guys think!!!

 

Option 1: http://djprecisionmachine.com/product/1998-2002-stage-1-24v-cummins-performance-head/

 

Option 2: https://www.littlepowershop.com/dodge-cummins-diesel/1998-5-2002-5-9-cummins-24v/engine-parts/cylinder-heads-related/1998-2002-dodge-5-9-cummins-24v-new-cylinder-head-loaded-w-103lbsprings/

 

Option 3: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F192240528906

 

 

[Mopar1973Man]

I'd talk to @jlbayes about this he might have a line on a source for good heads.

[jlbayes]

The best replacement heads are oem take offs. BEFORE you spend a boat load of money on a head you need to pressure test yours.

[JDHudsn]

@jlbayes should I be worried about the crack growing over time? I am adding that new turbo once I get everything figured out. I will be taking it to the shop soon for a pressure test. Found a total of 4 cracks. 3 of them are hairline cracks but that one is very evident. 

[jlbayes]

All these heads will crack. Nature of the design and the punishment we put them through.

[Mopar1973Man]

8 minutes ago, jlbayes said:

All these heads will crack. Nature of the design and the punishment we put them through.

 

I think it more common with high HP setup that mild and stock setup. Cracking I figure is caused from sudden temperature change in the cylinder like heavy throttle launch where a daily driver mildly modded truck rarely sees high cylinder temperature. 

[jlbayes]

I think it is more common you hear/see them in a high performance setup as we tend to blow the gasket.

[JDHudsn]

@jlbayes I’ve been doing some searching.... how’d you like the common rail head swap? 

 

Not having a truck truck to take the head to be pressure tested has allowed a lot of free time to do research!

[jlbayes]

Don't. Is an utter waste of money for no gain. Been there, done that.

[JDHudsn]

10-4??

[JDHudsn]

@jlbayes have you dealt with these guys?

Option 2: https://www.littlepowershop.com/dodge-cummins-diesel/1998-5-2002-5-9-cummins-24v/engine-parts/cylinder-heads-related/1998-2002-dodge-5-9-cummins-24v-new-cylinder-head-loaded-w-103lbsprings/

 

I havent been able to source a used OEM reman head yet. Still just doing homework before a purchase is decided. 

[jlbayes]

Never heard of them. And the Chinese heads are hit and miss. Which that head is Chinese. I am extremely leery of any Cummins shops out of Pa. With CPP being based out of that state, I stay away.

[JDHudsn]

@jlbayes ok found a way to get the head to the shop tonight to get pressure tested. Would you run the cracked head even if it passes the pressure test? 

[jlbayes]

I have one on my green truck right now. 

[JDHudsn]

Ok head was dropped off and the shop showed me how to remove the valve springs. The crack extends into the valve a lil ways on both sides. I wish I would have taken a picture. The shop was closing so I guess the pressure test will be tmw!!! I found an image on google similar to my situation. @jlbayes does your crack look similar to this? 

[Dieselfuture]

Maybe they can put new seat in if pressure test is ok

[jlbayes]

Is yours cracked like that in an intake or exhaust valve?

[JDHudsn]

@jlbayes the crack is like that on the exhaust valves. I’m pointing at the crack and that is cylinder 1.

@Dieselfuture I have been doing some lengthy researching on this and I just saw this idea last night. This is what I found so far. I had no idea you could install new seats... lol

[jlbayes]

Replace. It will travel to the guide and into the water jacket.

[Dieselfuture]

I would listen to ^^^ I only know it's possible to fix it and get by for a while but in long run its a gamble. Depending on what you use it for, if you stay around town and not afraid that some day it will happen then I'd put new seat in and use it, there is always that chance of it falling out and doing damage to piston and etc. 

Actually my mom's old car was a 2000 ford focus and one time I drove it to the machine shop to get my heads for BBC they were working on and the guy told me that eventually valve seats will fall out and I should bring them that head. At first I thought he was kidding and just screwing with me since I just picked up a set of heads, but then I did some research and sure enough. Not even a year later it dropped a seat right in my driveway, couldn't be a better place. It had almost 180k on it and all rusty so I just hauled it to scrap yard. 

Edited November 30, 2017 by Dieselfuture