Hi guys, we have a 2000 durango 5.9 with 80,000 on it. We just did a heater core in Oct. We still smell antifreeze, we're pretty sure its head gaskets. Question is: I called local parts house, they ask me if I wanted original, updated, or severe duty gaskets. I haven't checked with the dealer yet, but a buddy did look on Alldata, and they didn't give many options on gaskets.

What would you guys do, factory gaskets, aftermarket, who would you get the kit from, and what kind of head bolts would you use? Hopefully I won't do this job for a few weeks yet, as we got 40" of snow in the last week.(only 4wd we got)

Will prolly check with NAPA tomorrow, to see if they offer all the options that Advance did, and by the way, Advance had Fel-pro gaskets. Thanks

 

Fel-Pro gaskets (Perma Torque) I believe is what most would recommend. At least, that is what I just ordered to put into my engine last week. I presume you will get a few other similar recommendations on the Fel-Pro.

 

alot of the guys like the perma torque (apparently fel-pro is made by the same company), but most quality gaskets should work, i have fortunately never had to do that kind of a job

 

Quick update, called local Dodge dealer, they only offer 1 type of head gasket, I also checked on head bolts:

NAPA-$55.89/ set

Dodge Dealer- 10 bolts@ $6.50= $65.00
10 bolts@ $9.20= $92.00
$157.00
I like to use factory parts, but come on, I seriously doubt I'll be buying Dodge head bolts.

Thanks guys.

 

Sorry to hijack the thread but i was just a little curious. What exactly leads you to believe the head gasket is causing the coolant odor?
*said that being i believe that's a huge step for a coolant odor. There would also be major issues if the head was leaking coolant and i would first be checking bypass/all FP (including rear block)/lines/Intake manif/ etc

 

External antifreeze leakage=head gaskets?

Did you check frost plugs and/or hoses ...?

 

We've had it on the lift, no external leaks can be seen anywhere. When we had it running the other day(in the snow), when we moved it I saw green back around the tailpipe area, and some around the muffler area(weep hole). Soon as it gets warm enough I'm going to pull spark plugs and see what they look like. We also want to do the chemical test to confirm. But the main thing that tells me head gaskets is no external leaks at all. Thanks guys, I would love it if it wasn't head gaskets. LOL!

 

does your d steam alot out of the tail pipe? if it does i woud also assume that it need head gaskets. anything from felpro is good and i would use the felpro head bolts. i have done this job alot on ram 2500 trucks and it isnt too bad. be careful with the exhaust manifold bolts though they have a tendency to break. just go easy and use a good penetrating oil and you shouldn't have much problem with them.

 

Do a compression test first to confirm it's a head gasket issue. Also check your oil for antifreeze. Also check your coolant level.

 

Thanks guys, all great advice, no anti in the oil, I did have some "snot/ sludge" under the radiator cap. Coolant level does go down little by little. We do have what I think is alot of steam, but it's been really cold here too. Note taken on the exhaust bolts, we've already
been thinking about them. I have done some engine work in the past on other vehicles. Our D has been a great truck, got it with 17,000 on it. It's now pushing 81,000 and things seem to be catching up. We've always taken good care of her, and with today economy looks like we'll have to run her in the ground. LOL! Thanks again for the thoughts. Jeff