New head bolts?

[santan40]

A friend of mine has a 2001, the problem is that he developed a small coolant leak from the front of the head between the head and block. We re-torqued the bolts and it helped, but still seeps! Anyone ever just replaced the bolts and torqued them to factory specs? Can you get the rear ones out? Are studs a better way to go? Obviously he should remove the head do some work, we are hoping for something less stressful!

[mopartechnician]

Probably head gasket. You can crank on it all you want it will still leak. Rear bolts come out just like normal. Push rods go through holes in the cowling in the back

[CTcummins24V]

New head bolts or studs with a new gasket...and probably some head work.

[MnTom]

Let me guess, the seepage is right under the t'stat housing? CTcummins24v is correct. Pull the head, get it cleaned up and a new gasket. The gasket should come with a stretch gauge to check the bolts.

[CTcummins24V]

I did mighty diesel head bolts, they're about the same price or cheaper than stock cummins head bolts. For $130ish, just get new bolts either way. Studs are about $400. 

[santan40]

Thanks for all the info! I was afraid we would be pulling the head. And your correct Tom right under the T stat housing. Thanks again!