Best Head Studs for 6.0 Powerstroke
May 2nd 2023
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The Ford Powerstroke 6.0 is known as a durable, reliable diesel engine but the head studs on the cylinders can fail due to excess pressure. A blown gasket head will damage the cylinder and limit its ability to inject fuel into the combustion chamber, which will bring your truck to a halt.
The Powerstroke 6.0 comes with four torque-to-yield (TTY) head bolts, which are designed to keep the cylinder head mounted in place under extreme pressure. The TTY torque fastener will stretch within a set range to keep the head bolt in place, but too much cylinder pressure will cause the head bolt to fail. This can happen when the engine is hauling a heavy load and on vehicles with aftermarket modifications that increase cylinder pressure.
Once the faster bends out of range, it can no longer hold the head bolt in place, which leads to a blown gasket head. A broken gasket head will start leaking coolant into the crankcase, which is usually the first sign that something is wrong. You may need to replace your Ford 6.0 exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler after driving with a broken head bolt.
Many diesel drivers with aftermarket parts and heavy loads will replace their factory head studs with head studs. Bolts are fully or partially threaded, while studs are threaded at both ends with an unthreaded middle shaft. Head studs are best used on high-performance diesel trucks and those that need additional power when towing.
If you are worried about blowing your gasket heads or are getting ready to replace the factory head bolts on your diesel engine, learn about the best head studs for the 6.0 Powerstroke and shop for diesel products online to keep your truck going strong.
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ARP2000 Head Studs (PN 250-4202)
ARP is currently the industry’s preferred choice when it comes to high-torque head studs. Their 250-4202 set is among the best on the market today. They come with 220,000 psi tensile strength and are made with chromoly steel alloy for more thermal resistance. The design of the thread also allows for more contact with the cylinder block. ARP is also known for using a controlled manufacturing process to eliminate possible construction issues. The only downside is that they tend to be a bit pricey compared to the competition. The ARP2000 is used on the 2003 to 2005 Ford F-350.
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Xotic 6.0L Head Studs for Powerstroke 6.0
The Xotic replacement kit for the Powerstroke 6.0 is an excellent alternative to the option above. The head studs come with the same 220,000 psi tensile strength rating but they tend to run out of lubricant. Overall, it’s giving ARP a run for the best kit on the market, but the company doesn’t have the sterling reputation that comes with a name like ARP. The kit is compatible with the 2003 and 2007 Ford F-250, 350, 450, and 550.
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Cylinder Head Stud Kit for Powerstroke 6.0
If you’re looking to save money without putting your cylinder heads at risk, consider the Cylinder Head Stud kit as a low-cost alternative. It comes with the same 20,000-psi-rated tensile strength rating as the other two without the expensive price tag. But the main downside is that the kit doesn’t come with the required torque sequence, so you will likely need to have a professional install it for you. On the plus side, it is compatible with a wide variety of Ford models.
Choosing the right head bolt or stud for your diesel engine depends on many factors, including the expected torque pressure of the cylinder, the design and structural integrity of the bolt or stud, and the gasket alignment. Be sure to read through the instructions in your owner’s manual and the bolt replacement kit when making these repairs. Learn about the differences between the Duramax vs. Powerstroke engines to find out what kind of head bolts you should be using.
Remember that all head bolts and studs need to be torqued before being installed. Read through the instructions to set the bolts at the right angle to avoid damaging the engine. Keeping your cylinder heads in check can be a struggle when you’re towing heavy loads. Use this information to find the best possible bolt studs for your diesel truck.