We understand how stressful the process of searching for the best head gasket for 6.0 Powerstroke could be for vehicle owners who are looking for a quality replacement.
In case you have doubts or you are confused about the brand of the head gasket to go for, this guide is developed to make the journey an easy and successful one for you.
We understand the challenges vehicle owners face when it comes to researching or gathering the information they need to guide their purchase decision.
That is why we have been able to do a comprehensive study of the best head gaskets for 6.0 Powerstroke that are available on the market.
Contents
A Table of The Top 10 Best Head Gasket For 6.0 Powerstroke
What are The Best Brands of Head Gasket for 6.0 Powerstroke?
We found MAHLE 54450A is the best head gasket ford 6.0 diesel/Powerstroke on the market.
Many alternative brands available but MAHLE is more reliable and best for the quality according to our research.
The alternative brands are LIMICAR, Vincos, RDP, CNS EngineParts, ARP MAHLE, DK Engine Parts, and Sinister Mfg.
Why We Chose MAHLE For The Top Brand For Head Gasket Ford 6.0 Diesel?
The first reason we picked MAHLE 54450A as the winner for the head gasket for 6.0 Powerstroke for the excellent quality, the second reason is the affordable price.
If you get a product that is affordable and of greater quality why not this is the best option to pick.
How Much Cost to Replace The Head Gasket on 6.0 Diesel Powerstroke?
On average the head gasket, 6.0 can be replaced by spending around $50-$150 depending on the quality, material, and the included kits for the product.
10 Best Head Gasket For 6.0 Powerstroke Reviews
01. MAHLE Original 54450A 6.0L Cylinder – Best Overall Head Gasket For 6.0 Powerstroke
Highlighted features
- Known for top quality
- Made from top quality material
- Reliable
- Well-packaged
- Both sides can be interchanged
- Comes with all parts properly numbered
MAHLE is a popular brand among mechanics around the world. When it comes to head gasket replacement, this brand is trusted and preferred to many other top-quality brands on the market.
So, in terms of performance and quality, the 54450A is not left out. This head gasket design from MAHLE is popular among Ford owners.
The packaging is great, and it comes with all the needed parts and components you need for installation.
Also, this product is not heavy and it is made from high-quality material.
All the parts are rightly numbered, and there is no variation in quality standards. If you are looking for a high-quality head gasket without having to break the bank, this is a great choice for you.
Also, the installation is very easy. Once installed your truck fires up without any traces of leaks or discharge.
MAHLE can be interchanged from left to right. The package comes with only one gasket and not two.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Perfect fit for your Ford 6.0
- No leaks
Cons
- One gasket
02. LIMICAR Cylinder Head Gasket Set
Highlighted Features
- Top-quality gasket
- Perfect fit
- Prevents leaks
- Can withstand extreme pressure and temperature
LIMICAR is known as a top-quality head gasket for Ford 6.0. It comes with the necessary components you need for a successful replacement. Once installed, it fits perfectly into your truck.
The installation is easy, and this product is sold at a very reasonable and affordable price.
This head gasket ensures the adjacent cylinders are properly sealed to prevent leakages of coolant or engine oil from flowing through.
LIMICAR understands that there may be a need for possible modification or adjustment by technicians or truck owners during installation, so they design this head gasket without a provision for a metal core.
It is designed to handle extreme temperatures and pressure.
According to a few buyers or users of this, there are a few components missing in the kit.
In summary, you should be prepared for a few bucks in case your package arrives without the complete components or hardware.
Well, you could be lucky. Still, you must prepare your mind towards investing a few more dollars.
Pros
- Amazing performance
- Pocket-friendly
- Installation is easy
Cons
- May come with incomplete components or hardware
03. MAHLE Original 18MM FULL Gasket Set
Highlighted Features
- Perfect fit for Ford 6.0
- 18mm in size
- Complete 0-ring set
- Mark of quality
This is another amazing head gasket from MAHLE. It is known as a perfect fit for Ford 6.0. If you own one of these trucks, this is an amazing design you can jump at.
Here, you won’t have to engage in extensive research to know if it fits well into your truck. This allows you to save the supposed research time for something else.
The product is fairly expensive, and it can be installed without any stress.
This head gasket set comes with are all the necessary components you need for installation. Also, it is very light in weight.
It delivers excellent performance and ensures there are no leaks.
According to various Ford 6.0 owners, they regard the gasket as one of the available products on the market that comes with a complete O-ring set.
Pros
- Eradicates leaks
- Easy to install
Cons
- Fairly expensive
04. Engine Intake Manifold Gasket Ford 6.0L/6.4L
Highlighted Features
- Top-quality material
- Perfect fit for Ford 6.0
- Very durable
- Top performance
- Lightweight
When you install this head gasket in your Ford 6.0. It fits well to ensure there is no escape of oil into the cylinders.
Asides from the fact that it prevents oil leakage, it also blocks harmful particles from entering the valve train.
The head gasket is known for its amazing quality, performance, and durability.
Let us emphasize more on the durability of this product. This simply means it doesn’t break easily when placed under extreme pressure and temperature.
Whatever the temperature is, the gasket performs excellently well.
Installation is easy. When installing it, ensure it is not too tight, and make sure it is not too slack.
If you fail to pay attention to the installation instruction, it may affect the efficiency of the gasket.
In terms of weight, it is not heavy. Our study shows that existing users of this think the price is reasonable, considering the quality performance it delivers. So, we could not identify any downside.
Pros
- No oil leaks
- Protects the valve train from harmful particles
- Very easy to install
- Very affordable
05. Upgraded Round EGR Cooler Assembly & Intake Gaskets
Highlighted Features
- Perfect fit for 2003 to 2004 Ford 6.0
- Fixes EGR related issues
- Top-quality
- Comes with complete hardware
This is a perfect upgrade for 2003 to 2004 Ford 6.0. When it comes to the repair of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation System in the 2003 and 2004 model of Ford 6.0, this product provides an impressive solution.
When you study the Ford 6.0 Powerstroke closely, the EGR is known to fail more often than any other part.
The gasket fixes all issues that are related to the EGR system by ensuring optimal performance.
The cooling passage is very large in diameter, and it comes with all the hardware that is needed for installation.
Installation is very easy and it ensures the EGR system functions optimally.
The product comes with gasket and every other hardware that is needed for installation.
If you drive a Ford 6.0 that was built after the last day of September 2003, the gasket is not for you.
It won’t fit in. Also, it is restricted to Ford 6.0 owners in California.
Before you make a purchase, make sure you study the product well to ensure it’s compatible with your model of Ford 6.0. And also, make sure you find out if you are not restricted from buying it.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- Great performance
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all 2004 Ford 6.0
- Sales restriction in California
06. New MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Set (18mm)
Highlighted Features
- A perfect fit for 2003 to 2010 model of Ford 6.0
- 18mm in size
- Well packaged
- Comes with the necessary hardware
- Lightweight
A perfect fit for the 2003 to 2010 model of Ford 6.0. The model comes in 18mm size, and it is considered a perfect upgrade when it comes to the replacement of damaged or worn-out head gasket in your truck.
In terms of quality and performance, this amazing product is considered as a massive upgrade over OEM.
The product is well packaged, and it comes with all the components you need for installation.
In terms of affordability, the price is reasonable.
If your truck has a cylinder head of 20mm size, this is not the right product for you.
This is why we always advise you to verify if it is compatible with your truck before you proceed with the purchase.
The weight is light and you won’t experience any leakages. Overall, you will be satisfied with the performance.
Pros
- Amazing quality and performance
- Reasonable price
- No leaks
Cons
- Doesn’t fit 20mm cylinder head
07. 03-06 Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Diesel ARP Head Stud Kit
Highlighted Features
- 20 pounds in weight
- 18mm in size
- Perfect fit for 6.0 Powerstroke
- Comes with the necessary hardware
At about 20 pounds in weight, the gasket is one of the heaviest head gaskets on the market.
This is regarded as one of the best choices of the head gasket when it comes to replacement in 6.0 Powerstroke. Also, the product is not expensive.
This model comes with the necessary hardware that is fundamental for successful installation and performance. In terms of size, it stands at 18mm.
Before you proceed to purchase or order for the gasket, make sure you know if it’s compatible with your truck or not.
For instance, if your 6.0 Powerstroke was built or designed on or after the 12th of January, 2006, you will need the 20mm size head gasket and not this design.
This design is a perfect fit for 6.0 Powerstroke that was built before the 12th of January, 2006.
Pros
- Not expensive
- Easy to install
- Great performance
Cons
- Absence of valve cover
08. ARP Studs OEM Style Head Gasket Intake and Exhaust Gaskets
Highlighted Features
- Specially designed for Ford 6.0 Powerstroke engines
- Top-quality alloy steel
- Treated with heat
- Durable
- 20mm in size
This head gasket is specially designed for Ford 6.0 Powerstroke engines. The gasket is made from top-quality alloy steel and it is treated with heat.
The heat treatment guarantees durability and strength. The size of the gasket is 20mm and cannot be used interchangeably for the Powerstroke engine that is built to support 18mm.
The head gasket is known for its unbeatable performance and quality, and it doesn’t leak. However, it comes with all the hardware you need for a successful installation.
The way it is designed, no matter how tight it is, it supports easy removal of the cylinder head. In terms of installation, the process involved is very easy.
This head gasket is not expensive, and the weight is a big heavy. It weighs about 20 pounds. Before you make a purchase, make sure you check for compatibility.
Pros
- Known for quality and performance
- Reliable
- Easy to install
- Affordable
Cons
- Can’t be used in place of 18mm
09. 6.0L Revive Kit w/ARP Studs Head Gaskets
Highlighted Features
- Presence of ARP studs
- For 6.0 Powerstroke engines
- Reliable and trusted product
- Comes with the necessary hardware and components
This kit comes with all the necessary hardware you need for the installation of the gasket on your 6.0 Powerstroke engines.
Whatever the issues related to 6.0 Powerstroke are, it fixes all issues thereby enhancing performance.
The head gasket is reliable and has been a mechanics favorite for many years. This is a product you can depend on in terms of quality and performance.
Installation is easy. In terms of price, it is expensive. For any amount you invest in, you won’t regret it.
Make sure you check for compatibility and as well ask necessary questions before you proceed to purchase.
Pros
- Amazing quality and performance
- Installation is easy
Cons
- Expensive
10. Sinister Head gaskets for Ford Powerstroke 2003-2007
Highlighted Features
- Top-quality material
- Perfect fit for 03 to 07 Ford 6.0
- Durable
- Not heavy
Sinister is also made from top-quality material. This top-quality material guarantees performance and durability.
If you drive any of the Ford 6.0 models between 2003 and 2007 this is a product that is specially designed for you.
In the kit are two head gaskets and other necessary hardware and component needed for installation.
The product is easy to install, and it is not heavy. In terms of the price, it is a bit expensive.
One great thing about the price is that you are guaranteed an amazing improvement in your truck’s engine.
Pros
- Improves engine life
- Easy to install
Cons
- Expensive
Factors to Consider Before Buying Head Gaskets for 6.0 Powerstroke
To better equip you with all you need to know about head gaskets for 6.0 Powerstroke, we listed some vital points you should take note of.
Because head gaskets are very important in helping your engine perform optimally, make sure you have the following points in mind before shopping for one.
Compatibility
You cannot buy a head gasket without first checking if it will work with your vehicle. There are a lot of brands out there and many of their head gaskets look alike.
Make sure you check out the compatibility so that you don’t end up buying a head gasket that you cannot use.
Quality and Performance
You need to check the quality of the head gasket you want to buy. A high-quality head gasket will give you better performance.
You can easily find out the quality by going through the product review and features. Look out for the one made of good quality material and not a poorly-made head gasket.
Durability
Durability is equally an important factor to consider when shopping for a new head gasket. A long-lasting head gasket is always preferable because it will serve you well.
It will also save you money in the long run. A head gasket made with high-quality material is often durable.
Design
Design is another thing that plays a vital role in how good a head gasket is. Head gaskets are either designed with a metalhead or a composite head.
Some designs give you better results than the rest. Additionally, if the design looks sturdy, chances are that it will yield the expected result.
Installation
The ease of installation of the head gasket you have in mind is another thing to note. If the installation instruction is clear and straight to the point, you can install it by yourself.
This will save you money that would have been spent on an auto mechanic. Some manufacturers have installation DVD that accompanies their product.
Others direct you to YouTube to watch videos on how it is done. While you can easily pay a professional to do it for you, there is this satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that comes with doing such things yourself.
Price
Your choice of head gasket can either be limited or supported by your budget. If you cannot afford a particular high-quality brand of the head gasket, check other options.
You will surely find a head gasket that is within your budget from our list above.
FAQ’s About Head Gaskets For 6.0 Powerstroke
It’s time to answer some questions you may have regarding head gaskets for 6.0 Powerstroke.
How much will a new head gasket for my 6.0 Powerstroke cost?
On average, head gasket replacement for Ford ranges between $995 – $1,199. The cost for labor is estimated at $750 – $920. For the parts, the cost ranges from $260 – $275.
Why is replacing a head gasket very expensive?
The head gasket is usually located very high in the engine. It takes a full dismantling of the engine to get to it.
A lot of labor work is involved as well as a good number of hours. This is why replacing a head gasket is not something an amateur can do.
How difficult is it to install a new head gasket?
The simple truth is that installing a head gasket is not easy and not everyone can do it. It calls for the skills of a good auto mechanic.
And it is not something you leave for a friend that knows one or two things about vehicles.
Because the head gasket is located in the engine, it must be handled by a skilled and dedicated hand.
Can I drive my 6.0 Powerstroke even if my head gasket is blown?
If you are driving and suddenly notice that your head gasket has blown or is failing, you can still continue driving.
It’s best to drive carefully and make plans for replacing it as soon as you can.
How can I tell if my head gasket has blown?
Here are some symptoms you will notice when your head gasket blows:
- Under the hood of your vehicle will start overheating
- Coolant starts leaking from the exhaust gasket
- Smoky exhaust with some whitish tint to it
- Overflow compartment and bubbles forming in the radiator
- Coolant levels deplete with no trace of any leakage
What causes head gasket failure?
There are many reasons why a head gasket can fail.
Some common ones are due to pre-ignition, combusted fuel during an engine’s cycle, immense pressure in the cylinder head which causes the engine to work abnormally.
Such spikes can put much strain on the head gasket and cause it to fail.
How can I tell if my head gasket is bad?
The main signs are: tailpipe will start emitting white smoke and water; you will notice some bubbling in the coolant reservoir and radiator, the oil will appear milky and the engine will start overheating.
Installation of Head Gasket for 6.0 Powerstroke
We have mentioned that installing a head gasket can be a tough one that calls for some expertise and skills.
But if you pay close attention and are determined to learn, you will do it without issues. Here’s how:
- Before you begin the installation, use a stone to remove all the materials stuck on the gasket.
- Then place the rocker carrier on the gasket and then move on to torque the bolts.
- Remove the O-rings and the copper washers from the injector. You can now replace it with the new one. Ensure the injector has no particle to avoid it affecting the engine’s pressure.
- Using the clamps, install them on the head gasket.
- Put a chain around the head gasket while maintaining an angle. There should be no wire between the gasket and the head.
- Gently pull down the head to the gasket without moving it so much so as not to loosen the seal on the head.
- Now that everything is in place, remove the chain around the gasket head. Put back the studs and tighten. And you are done!
Conclusion of Best Head Gasket Ford 6.0 Diesel
The information in this buying guide is accurate and can be trusted.
If you check out all the 10 listed designs of head gaskets, you will find the perfect head gaskets for your Powerstroke engine in terms of quality, durability, and performance.
Remember, it is important to only invest in a top-class product.
Before you make a purchase, we also advise you to conduct independent research.