Any Cummins techs on here??

[1981K20]

Doing the upper engine gasket kit on an 01 ram 24 valve, 55 block with 167,700kms on it. Looking to remedy the common external seepage under the head at the front passenger side.

My question is: should I replace head bolts or reuse them??

The new P/N kit comes with a redesigned head gasket that fixes the issue. I've done an N14 head replacement many years ago so fairly confident in the repair, but unsure about head bolts??

 

[Mvanhelden]

Never reuse head bolts, studs you can, but it all depends on if you plan on keeping the truck tho.

 

[shortbus4x4]

For stock power I've reused stock head bolts on the 6bt Cummins plenty of times. Just wire wheel them good and some engine oil on the threads and under the bolt heads when you torque them down.

 

[1981K20]

Managed to finally find an 01 with low miles, 4x4 with 6spd that is in decent shape so I said fuck it and bought Cummins head bolts. Not bad pricing, $214 for all 26 of them

For future searches, out of 6 HD mechanics I spoke to all recommended replacing head bolts. Unless, as stated above, you are selling the truck then do as you please lol

 

[V30crewcab]

cummins actually has a bolt stretch gauge, to tell if the bolts are reusable or not.

 

[sdmuleman]

Factory manual says replace is length is at or exceeds 5.200" Should be easy to measure. No reason to replace if they meet the spec.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

cummins actually has a bolt stretch gauge, to tell if the bolts are reusable or not.

This is the correct answer. Looks like this. No issue reusing cummins head bolts if the're not galled, rusted, or stretched too much.