350k Should I pull the head?

[MrWinkey]

Topic says it all.....

After 350k I have a leaking freeze plug. I cant replace it with the turbo/exahust on the motor so I'm going to upgrade/replace both of them at the same time.

Should I even mess with pulling the head or just let it ride? It seems to be doing OK so far....

Thanks agian!

[skilletky]

if it aint broke, dont fix it. if yer not gonna be pushing more than 45 psi, you should be ok. but every truck is different. my factory head gasket lasted at 45 to 50 psi for almost 2 years, but it finally gave up. there were other factors that contributed to the failure though.

[oldestof11]

At least retorque the head bolts. IIRC, if 1 goes 1/4 turn more than the rest, replace it. It is stretching at that point.

[dpuckett]

If you are just having the leaking freeze plug, I'd leave the head alone. If your oil and water are where they belong, and you arent getting any funny noises accelerating, you should be good to go.

[Greenleaf]

That is when mine blew./ Just blew. No warning. No hot-rodding; just let go. The compression in the overflow tank tells the tale........

I parked the rig for one year as I wasn't going to half it. One year to the month I replaced the head at 350K and havn't looked back. I bought a new one, along with bolts /60 lb springs and exhaust manifold. I really hate to do the same job twice.

If you don't want to buy new, you will pay dearly in the cost of labor to machine it, clean it,inspect it, mill it etc.etc.etc. And, you still have to do the same work as if you'd bolt on a new one.