I was just wondering that if I took the heads off of a 99 D 5.9 (318) eng. an seen that the gaskets are bad for sure,, Then just put new gaskets on an put the heads back on with new bolts if it would be ok,, I have always took heads in to be checked but just wonderin if this would cause prob's,, I know its best to have the heads checked,, The reason I feel the head gaskets are bad is because u can 1st start the D up with the radarator cap off an antifreeze will blow out pretty bad,, Motor runs an sounds good,, But need to add antifreeze every couple days ,, An talkin about a half gallon at a time in 2 to 3 days,, It is tryin to blow antifreeze out with the cap on cause it can be seen,, Hope everybody understands what I am sayin here,,

 

i had 2 blown gaskets due to overheating, pulled heads myself, there was nothing visibly wrong with the heads, so i just got new gaskets and bolts, put back together and runs fine, but it was a gamble because i had no money to get them checked and machined either way. if you have the cash i would make sure to take them to be checked and machined to be safe and save you from buying another set of head bolts.

 

If the intake gasket is bad then would that cause the water to blow out of the ratdorater an not mixing water with the oil ?? I do have the intake off an the bolts for the intake wasn't very tight ,, Never could see any water leaking on the ground at all,, So wondering if it could have been going threw the exhust ? But still thinking that the head gaskets mite be the prob an go ahead an take em off but hate to have to if they are good,,lol