Head Gasket, Head Bolts, EGR Cooler and the Dealship

[rchouser]

I just bought my new USED 06 F350 4x4. The previous owner included his Diablo Sport tuner for the truck which led me to this Forum. The truck has 35200 miles on it so, I took it to the dealer and had them do the 30 and 35k services on the truck (best diagnosis for the buck when looking for warrenty work needed). The Service manager says that I "may" have a head gasket issue and suggested that they replace the Head Gasket, the Head Bolts, and also the EGR Cooler. He said the entire "repair" is under the 3 year 36000 mile warrenty, and also under the 100000 mile warrenty. Is there anything else I should ask them to do while they are in there? Should I try to get them to "upgrade" the headbolts or anything. I am sure showing how un-informed I am, but, that is better than not asking for help from a forum of this quality. All suggestions will be appreciated. They will "take the truck" next Tuesday so I have a week to figure out what to ask for. The truck has a catylitic converter, stock exhaust, stock air intake. (I will change things out as I learn what to change to). Anyway, I wondered what all the white water stains under the hood were from. Guess there is an known issue. I have been using my predator to return the truck to the stock tune each time before I give it to the dealer. Is there anyway they can try to "pin" any of the Head Bolt Head Gasket etc stuff on the use of the Predator? (Ok, I'm 57 and a little paranoid). Thanks in advance for anything this group can/will share to a guy who just got the truck he has wanted for 30 years. RC

[cole]

I just bought my new USED 06 F350 4x4. The previous owner included his Diablo Sport tuner for the truck which led me to this Forum. The truck has 35200 miles on it so, I took it to the dealer and had them do the 30 and 35k services on the truck (best diagnosis for the buck when looking for warrenty work needed). The Service manager says that I "may" have a head gasket issue and suggested that they replace the Head Gasket, the Head Bolts, and also the EGR Cooler. He said the entire "repair" is under the 3 year 36000 mile warrenty, and also under the 100000 mile warrenty. Is there anything else I should ask them to do while they are in there? Should I try to get them to "upgrade" the headbolts or anything. I am sure showing how un-informed I am, but, that is better than not asking for help from a forum of this quality. All suggestions will be appreciated. They will "take the truck" next Tuesday so I have a week to figure out what to ask for. The truck has a catylitic converter, stock exhaust, stock air intake. (I will change things out as I learn what to change to). Anyway, I wondered what all the white water stains under the hood were from. Guess there is an known issue. I have been using my predator to return the truck to the stock tune each time before I give it to the dealer. Is there anyway they can try to "pin" any of the Head Bolt Head Gasket etc stuff on the use of the Predator? (Ok, I'm 57 and a little paranoid). Thanks in advance for anything this group can/will share to a guy who just got the truck he has wanted for 30 years. RC

I mentioned this in another post but ford has a TSB in relation to stock trucks having coolant issues and head gasket issues. This TSB applies to all 03-07 6.0L Powerstrokes. Personally if the truck is not done at the dealer, the best upgrade would be some ARP Head Studs.

[rchouser]

Thanks Cole. I think if the dealer will do it at no cost, I will let them. Has anyone had any problems AFTER Ford does their TSB work to the Head and Cooling System? (I don't want to find out they lowered performance to decrease "pressure" of something). Again, thanks in advance. rc

[aber57]

The dealer may install head stud kit at no charge for labor but unless the head stud kit is somehow negotiated in your purchase deal then you can expect to pay for the ARP head stud kit.
Ford warranty will only pay for the parts that Ford makes and distributes via their parts system.

[cole]

The dealer may install head stud kit at no charge for labor but unless the head stud kit is somehow negotiated in your purchase deal then you can expect to pay for the ARP head stud kit.
Ford warranty will only pay for the parts that Ford makes and distributes via their parts system.

Of course, Ford makes the parts they are CHEAPER. And Ford has lost a lot on this truck already with warranty issues. So they will most likely will not pay for the ARP studs but thats really good if they install them for you with NO additional charges. Good thing about Studs you can reuse them.

[rchouser]

I talked to my "service rep" and they will install them as part of the head r&r for no additional cost. The kicker is that the new studs will NOT be warrantied and any subsequent damage related to the "not covered" head studs will not be covered by warranty either. He did say that anything engine stuff NOT related to the head studs was still covered under the diesel warranty. He wasn't being an *ss about it, he was just stating what he could and could not do with aftermarket vs the warranties. He also told me Aftermarket Exhaust and Cold Air Induction kits were OK and would not affect my warranty. I don't know, maybe see how the new headbolts "hold up" since Ford will have to do them again if they don't. rc