Ford 6.0 Powerstroke head gaskets tips and pointers

Hi. I get people emailing me questions and requesting videos. In this video I try to cover the highlights and areas where I get the most questions. It covers both the ARP studs and stock bolts

[@rightcoast7049]

Man, he was slam full of knowledge about these trucks, and he gladly went out of his way to help others. Such a shame he left us.

[@brianmckay9240]

E3 we e è3e 3333 e we ee eweereer re 3eeee3 we3e e eèèe e 3e3ereewe e we we we we se 23rde eeew3wew

[@Gustavo-rg3mb]

I literally just finished and started up the truck for my first head gasket job following all of Ron’s tips. As I was trying to get the truck to build pressure it wouldn’t and as soon as I prayed for Ron’s help it fired up. Ron’s this ones for you man. Thank you.

[@dawsondemontiney1247]

Still helping from heaven. God bless Ron's family he left behind.

[@MrDavidstallsmith]

Rip Ron. Your contribution to the diesel world is unmatched. You will be missed.

[@rogerdrum5936]

You’re still helping us Ford guys. Bless you sir.

[@TurboDieselJeep]

I am always looking through his videos even years later to make sure I do this repair work to his standard. Still the best 6.0 videos!

[@Zeros_Garage]

years after his passing, his videos still help those who still enjoy these trucks even with all their problems Ron's vids help out a ton

[@JlnMtzMDSTOCA]

Still miss this awesome man I definitely come back to his videos whenever I have something wrong with my 6.0

[@dieselsmoke821]

Ron was a legend and he's a sorely missed member of the 6.0 community. - As a side note, the guys at FICMRepair are damn solid resources for any 6.0 owner. They sell pretty much any part a guy could need and the customer service is stellar. They help guys all the time with troubleshooting, OE and aftermarket parts selection, etc. - Plus, if you're going to own/drive a 6.0, the FICM tunes they sell wake the beasts up very nicely. Best of all, they help with fuel mileage!

[@adamgann7198]

How do I go about getting a ficm tune done on my truck

[@robertdavis6708]

There's a special place in Heaven for this great man. Ron was my Power Stroke Hero !

[@willythewave]

You got that right man.

[@RandyJoyce1960]

This guy helped me so much with his video's. Rip Ron. I did not know he had passed away until last night when I saw his son's video. Said that it was last May. He sure knew his stuff on a diesel. Great family man I understand also....Prayers to the family.

[@robertswarr2830]

Bob Swarr-Thanks Ron for all the help you have been over the years. What an outstanding legacy you have left. You are still being missed. Thanks for keeping these videos up. God Bless.

[@landybob8393]

Ron is the only one that goes step by step for us tards. Rip man, I know your keeping gods 6.0’s running top notch daily.

[@fbi6540]

Thanks Ron! Your going to be missed for sure. I’m doing this on my 04 and I’m 16. Your videos are teaching me, something that is truly appreciated. Bless you Ron

[@crankshaft1053]

FBI how did it go?

[@mikah4051]

What a guy. I didn't know Ron but feel sad every time I watch his videos knowing he's no longer here.

[@JukeBoxBear]

Ron is the very best kindest and most knowledgeable diesel tech ever. I really miss him. He is a saint for sure now. RIP Ron.

[@landcare-outdoorfun176]

Thank you so much for all of your information,advice and time. By watching your videos, it's helped me to be able to do the work myself. You have saved me and my family so much money and time. Thank you for sharing all of your experiences. All of the short cuts of saved my so much money and time. Thank you for telling my what tools and sizes needed to do job at hand. Thank you from my family and saving my business, so much money and time.

[@scowan2003]

Still helping so many people . Rip RON .

[@stradplayer90]

The cleanliness of your operation is unreal. Great video!

[@loganeley2342]

Ron...you are the man. Finding good info on these motors is tough. you make it easy

[@TheVinsontafoya]

Sorry to hear of your passing. Just wanted to say thank you for the video. It was a clear tutorial.

[@81recinos]

Never met you Ron but I miss you and your videos

[@paulfiebke3909]

Wish I could have worked with him. He is so good and know his job

[@dieselsmiths]

First video of his I e watched, like him I’ve worked on these 10-15 hrs a day since their inception. Most all of his info and thinking is real world…it’s kinda funny being in the know and hearing him throw in the occasional “the book says” when I know exactly how he does it and why it’s fine. Peace be with you brother 🫡

[@alwayslearning4418]

Few people make a real difference in this crazy world. Thank you Ron. You will be missed.

[@djc2152]

Ronald was the only honest mechanic ever in the history of the combustion engine . Most mechanics won't even tell you how to tighten your coolant cap without charging you their $120 minimum (national avg.) just to pop th3 hood and end up telling you your left tire is low on air.. Ron tells you how to fully disassemble your entire cooling system. M3chanics are the lowest form of life. My old BF is one...I don't talk to him anymore. I just watch KZbin and do it my dang self...up yers Brian!

[@petroczinationalrailservic10]

I think we would live in a better world if everyone was like Ron..

[@nwbackcountry5327]

Great video Ron. When the time comes, I want you to rebuild my the 6.0L in my 2004 F450 RV. The body can't be removed, so i guess pulling the engine out the front is the correct method. Thanks for all the great information.

[@benduncan3930]

Ron made a comment in one of his videos, he said I work on these problem child ones all day everyday. Mine now has been named problem child. Thanks Ron you are missed.

[@moavic5087]

Rest In Peace mentor! Ron is the reason why I know so much about Ford diesels

[@TheUsaman15]

Man I miss this guy! Rip Ron

[@scottk27332]

@Ethan Pugh Ron passed away in a very unfortunate car accident several years ago. His family put up a video about it.

[@ruehlerob]

Thanks Ron, your a continual blessing.

[@JohnDiMartino]

thanks Ron for the quick response, I enjoy your videos and find them very informative, Poor guy who owned that truck probably has more cash in head gasket jobs than the truck is worth...

[@jackmehoff1565]

I miss this man I need a new video to watch it's a damn shame only the good die young see you when I get there brother I'll bring you a blown up 6.4 when I come that way 🙏🙏🙏

[@HillbillyRednecking]

Tony Mikesell just forget about ever seeing your 6.4L run ever again, that's 150k mile throw away engine no matter what you do

[@jackhawez10]

6.4's are almost impossible to rebuild.

[@HillbillyRednecking]

Jack Hawes 7.3's are great but lacking power, 6.0's are alright and can be made to run well, 6.4's are just total crap, now the new 6.7's are pretty good especially if you run a straight pipe on it

[@jackhawez10]

Patrick Pikulski Yeah im excited to see how 6.7's stand up with some more years under their belt, they seem pretty solid and make great power as of now

[@HillbillyRednecking]

Jack Hawes a couple of the best things they did was put the injectors on a common fuel rail system, made it so you don't have to take valve pans off to do injectors, reversed the intake and exhaust flow so the intake manifold is now a exhaust manifold straight to the turbo and put the oil cooler in a remote spot on the frame rail, one of the bigger downfalls is the ceramic ballbearings in the turbo charger and the automatic transmission skips gears on the up shifts when you don't want it to

[@chrisb5838]

Glad to see his knowledge lives on !

[@pkav8tor]

Thanks for your time to capture, edit and share this information Ron. Hope the weather is giving you guys a break down there. /// greg

[@joneich1591]

I really loved this guy... Thank you again Ron.. RIP

[@richardmcferrin9847]

I like your videos we needed a truck to pull horse trailer and lucked out and got an 06 that had bullet proof oil cooler. I am new to fords and just heard bad things you really helped me understand it . Bulletproof Inc was also very helpful thanks.

[@2sheetstothewind484]

Learned a lot here. R.I.P. Ron

[@cantevenseeyourightn]

We love you diesel tech Ron

[@buddieluvsu]

This Man was a Giant help to me

[@wysetech2000]

Thanks Ron, for the very informative video. You're the best.

[@JarsRacing]

Thanks Ron, great video and thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience!

[@eligrigsby12]

Doing my headgaskets. Rons on the job guiding me

[@dirtyminerapparel]

RIP Ron. You are missed for sure.

[@chrisbeavers3693]

I can’t believe that the OE head gasket is better then a high quality aftermarket one but Ron knows WAY more then me so that’s what I will do

[@wireboy253]

Could you show us the exact process you use to clean the mating surfaces between the head and block. I know you mentioned how you do it, but an actual video demonstration would be nice. Thanks for the videos, keep them coming.

[@DaveyBlue32]

Awesome info! Love your insight into the bolt or stud thinking!👍😁

[@dcma2010]

Outstanding video! Very well done with attention to detail. I do have a couple of questions:1. Why do you think that the head gasket failed on this one, especially in light of the fact that head-studs were used.2. What is your thought on "ringing" the heads? I see on various forums that is the only way to really guarantee that the gaskets on the 6.0 do not fail under load.Thank you very much!

[@Dead-Goldstar]

Thanks for doing this video you definitely know your stuff this video will help me out when I do my truck. Thanks again. 👍

[@dr_mcwang]

Man I’m only 18 man I’m trying to really get into this more in-depth, no one else can do it… anyone wanna please do these with 6.4s and more 6.0 stuff please I need this man in my life

[@sladog19]

Still watch still learning everything thanks ron rest easy brother

[@ridedirtbikes127]

Rip ron Thank you for the informative video I now know everything I have done to this truck is going to break. Bright side being I’ll be knowing what to look for👍🏼 headhgaskets fuel injectors and nipple seals. No big deal , no 4 point lift or anything so the motor might be coming back out 😓

[@blargblarghonk]

Here's one that'll make your day. 250'000 mile 04 harley edition with heads that have never been off and original gaskets and bolts with over 400hp. Don't ask me. I just tuned it.

[@randomgooglename]

hey buddy thanks for the help today. hope heavens treatin ya well. take care.

[@johnanderson2451]

This guy knows what he is talking about, basically if you want to take your boat to the lake, get a 6.0 . If you need a truck to pull in the mountains, don’t get a 6.0 . Flat lander truck that is what they are. I was wondering why I was on my third engine.

[@shanebarnes1412]

Outstanding video, thanks Ron.

[@RideB1996]

R.i.p Ron you are a legend!

[@sapperjohn256]

amazing video ron. subscribed. im in the ford fact program right now, i graduate in a week, its such a good program im learning so much. were working on the heui injectors today, but the tips you have really add on to what ive learned. thanks very much

[@tctheopps]

I’m bringing my 6.0 to heaven Ron

[@stevemic]

another tip is when i do the head gaskets on the 6.0 i put zap straps arounf the fuel lines near the bowl so the nut doesnt slide down the line

[@guitar6333]

what head gasket kits do you recommend. from what ive been seeing oem seems to be best but not sure. need to do my 6 liter. thanks. sorry after reading comments just noticed he passed away. sorry about that.

[@petroczinationalrailservic10]

Always use motorcraft. Only thing I have that’s not motorcraft is my turbo oil drain tube. Aftermarket tube allows for better oil flow.

[@Dieselpitstop]

now here are some issues that i have encountered with this type of repair on 6.0 specific. I have worked on about 30 head gasket 6.0's in the past year. with that being said after my second 6.0 head gasket issue, this is where it gets tricky and i take it to the next level. the 6.0's heads are cast. they can and will crack if you get them hot enough. just because the head gaskets show blow by doesn't mean that's where the problem ends. 2 out of 5 heads i have pulled were cracked. and you cant tell that they are cracked until you pull the valves out, hot tank and do a mag flex on the heads to inspect where the cracks are. they will usually crack in the valve seats. just because those heads aren't warped doesn't mean there's no cracks. so from my own personal business stand point and for my insurance, i now charge to strip, tank and inspect the heads. i also mill them flat. Another thing i see wrong with a lot of shops. every shop that i have seen work on these heads and do milling think its ok to take off .006-.008 thousands of an inch to surface the heads. which is fine. but the OEM specs on the valve recess is .013-.027 thousands. with every head i mill flat i recess the valves to .030. then once that is complete trim the valve stems to make up the difference. I've also seen people run the 6.4 pushrods on these engines which is fine, they are just .100 shorter. a lot of shops that i have seen machine heads and put back on the truck ended up having broken pistons because the valves kissed.. so if your heads were milled flat and put back on and the engine only lasted about 4000 miles, thats why. Now this video is very educational, and ron does a great job at that. But what ford recommends as far as this segment of head gasket repairs, i would go deeper in the heads ones they are off just so i don't end up doing this job again on the same truck.

[@AutoExhibit]

+FULLY LIT At the dealership you have to get approval to machine heads, can't just say you won't do it if the customer does not want to have them milled and o-ringed. ford does not approve milling or o-rings but it has been proven to work well. But your getting paid for it either way so sometimes you just do what you have to do.

[@Dieselpitstop]

im making a youtube video on this right now to do this with cab on..

[@AutoExhibit]

Sweet! checked out some of your videos, glad to see another tech out their that wants to help people like Ron did. Ive been ford diesel certified for about 2 years and my very first 6.0 job was cab on head gaskets. Look forward to seeing some more of your videos!

[@AstonSubstantive]

Wow, great video, great information. Thank you for sharing!

[@Thebipolarachiever]

Thank you Ron 🙏

[@bruceramos7023]

My Factory gaskets, unmodded engine, failed on the down hill side of number 4 just like this modded truck did. RIP Ron.

[@edgardospagna8738]

Amazing videos..this man la gasta

[@montuam]

Such knowledge guy, like his video, I got very sad when discovered about his death!

[@mcdadcoleman]

Ron, you mentioned that you always pull the cab to do head gaskets. How would you attack a 6.0 Excursion? Thanks for another great video!

[@lizardsman1718]

wondering the same thing. be nice to have a cab removel checklist for the excursion.

[@DieselTechRon]

body off on the excursions too. some vans too or pull the motor.

[@ARMASARMY]

you are the man... thanks foe the video

[@jeffl3566]

Legend!

[@smokeskull]

great video. you should let people know not to drop the head on the injector tips or use any buffers or brushes on the injectors. it will destroy the nozzles. i recomend removing the injectors just for safety sake.

[@chefgiovanni]

Very nice video. I like that small TORQUE WRENCH , anyone know the brand ?

[@NONO-hz4vo]

If we are talking about the same one it looks like an older model Snap-On

[@zxtenn]

Interesting information regarding the head being susceptible to leaking with a mirror finish- I always thought at least regarding gas engines that a perfectly flat head would give the best results - So what would be the cause of head gasket failure especially since it was already changed and studs upgraded ?

[@LynxStarAuto]

That was old thinking. Even gasoline engines, no longer is it recommended to resurface cylinder heads. You mic them, if within spec, you clean them, and go with new gaskets. The job of the gasket is to seal. If both surfaces are within spec, and the finish is not abnormal IT MUST seal.

[@greglasko]

I miss him too

[@LynxStarAuto]

So you don't pull the cab on the e-series vans? I've done two vans, and pulled the cab on both. I would think fighting with that front clip would take more time.

[@brett6892]

God must have a 6.0 and needed Ron.

[@chad41799]

I like to leave the manifold to up pipe attached. remove pipe to turbo clamp and pipe to egr cooler clamp and manifold bolts pull whole assembly back, lay on trans

[@mrhectic511]

I’ve done everything he said not to with the seals and my truck runs like new never had a issue

[@zfeyos]

Great video...and clean job..🔧👆☝👍

[@adamgann7198]

I had my headgaskets done not long ago my question is do the heads have to be machined when the gaskets are replaced I waited two week for the machine shop to get them done for me

[@petroczinationalrailservic10]

Ron said you don’t have to machine them. Just clean them and check clearance. Drag a straight edge and I believe you’re allowed 4mm clearance or 0.4mm have to go back and watch.

[@doza146]

on an early 99 would an AE code LL printed injector in cylinder 5 cause a miss.

[@mex20oax]

Thanks for your videos...

[@mex20oax]

What will happen if the cylinder heads get swapped from left to right?

[@steveham2427]

nice video ron!

[@robpeters5204]

Why didn’t you drain the block from antifreeze? I hate coolant all over my floors. Lol!

[@KennethSievers]

Great info!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@getitrightgetitright7867]

Ron, I have a bent push rod on a 230K mile engine no studs bone stock if there is no camshaft damage I want to install new lifters and Updated stand pipes and stc fitting. I see that you recommend not refinishing the heads should i have the valve check and go back with it. truck was not using any oil. Do you think that would be ok? I had a lifter failure after LPOP was replaced. Also replacing oil pan gaskets and bed pan resealing the engine completely . Are these engines good for 500K???? cylinder walls look great. engine out of truck obviously if there is camshaft damage i will order a long block. Worst case who would you recommend ordering a long block from.

[@JohnDiMartino]

Clearly this truck was run hard and with higher than stock power and boost levels,the aftermarket downpipe,,banks intake horn and lift kit are all signs of a play toy truck that the owner likes to show off,not a work truck.For trucks like this an o ringed head is the best repair. I know Ron said this is what Ford recommends and hes right but Ford also recommends 325hp and 24psi of boost not 30 plus and 425 plus hp,so Fords recommendations are out the window so to speak at that point. Typically a ..041-051 thick stainless steel wire is used with around a .010 protrusion ,when done right with ARP studds this is a huge upgrade and will give alot more holding power and longevity.There is a tool you can buy to cut the o rings,it needs to be done right, I used this tool on my Cummins to cut o rings and its very effective when done right.

[@DieselTechRon]

No programmer on these gaskets. It WAS modified with a programmer. When it failed the first time he took the programmer out. He just got cheap on the gaskets.

[@AmericanSurvival001]

John DiMartino power and longevity on a Ford $$$$$$$ buy a Dodge $ never worry about your bank account again !

[@sciewter]

Scott wads the only problem is the only thing that lasts on the Dodge is the Cummins.

[@magnacartasamadams8189]

Scott wads Yeah mopar Flickr in Flash all the electronics start failing and then than the transmission There is quite a bit of videos of head gaskets going As well head studs are pretty popular on Cummins Is drawbacks to all trucks but your best bet at least is to not get a Chevy

[@megalapega365]

I like this video , how is cost for that job? I have 6.0 maybe need do this

[@jass7981]

@@jaysmobilemechanicservices that’s a great deal.

[@Elg705]

you need to put time to the motor ?

[@maungaung314]

You said you have a video for diesel fuel but I couldn't find that diesel fuel video. Could you please give me a link in the comment? Thanks

[@chaser1357]

I’m about to have the heads redone on a 250 I bought. It has the arp studs etc. is it common for the heads to fail and leak oil in back corners?

[@sweatlodgegarage8195]

So wait, head gaskets leak regardless what you do with a truck running a diesel engine that’s made to work?... seems legit lol Bless ya, Ron!

[@6point0powerstroker79]

Powerstroke specialty gives a lifetime warranty on theirs if you get the truck done by them and keep the tune they set up so it's not true that it'll fail no matter what

[@19jody72]

Ron, what state are you in and what do you charge to do studs on an 06 f350 Crew cab 4x4 powerstroke? Oil cooler too.

[@djmystrogaming9237]

God Bless you Ron RIP

[@jsmith9970]

If you cannot reseal it how was it assembled originally???

[@TheKaffeeKlatsch]

I have an unrelated question about a 2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4x4. I'm thinking of upgrading from my standard vinyl bench seat that has the high-back driver/passenger. What Ford seats will fit in that truck? Will Expedition or Navigator seats fit? Just wondered where I'd find the cross reference list for seats? Thanks.

[@Matteo379]

I have my Ford F-250 diésel head casket any information about get any motor or how much cost to fixed

[@grandazzo6634]

thank you I like your video

[@najemsoc]

+DieselTechRon I have F-450 2009 and the speed locked at 130KM/H how can i make it 160KM/H?? and thank you for the video

[@HaydenIngram]

i dont see how you can warranty work like this i mean really check the heads the correct way not what ford now says you will rarely find a head warped the way you checked, thats probably why the old gaskets failed they just dont go bad for no reason. the best fix for a 6.0 head is the wire insert that is machined in (fire ring some people call it) its like having a liner protrusion like on a big diesel. Helps alot

[@DieselTechRon]

Hi Hayden. after years of research ford /international updates their repair proceedures. if this method did not work we would not keep using it. Updated factory gaskets do not fail if done right in a stock truck.

[@HaydenIngram]

i understand they may update them but still i wouldnt put a motor back together just by checking across the hole its sealing. i would check the head in an x pattern and then one across the middle if its bent more than .004 its gotta go. Also theres a reason why the old gaskets failed its probably not because they are aftermarket its probably because the heads are warped and the deck isnt flat. If you do this on a big engine and you check the heads like you did and see that its flat which it probably isnt it will never ever seal up it will leak from the second it cranks

[@reginaldgenaw1783]

hayden ingram