blew head gasket today, not sure how much i want to dump in this motor, opinions?

Get them to drain the oil filter while it is on the motor and cut it apart looking for metal, get as much information as you can the price of all the parts, and labour then make a decision. Price out the value of the truck, a $20,000 dollar truck is a $20,000 dollar truck even if you spend $50,000 fixing it. Get them to do plug swaps on the transmission and both diffs, what percentage of clutch do you have left, you almost want a used truck inspection done so you know what you have.

 

I wouldn't worry about the blocking cracking but it all depends on the truck. If the truck is in really nice shape with good tires etc and YOU want to keep it than a 15 grand inframe doesn't hurt as much because it will make you that money back in the future. If you are tired of it than don't spend a dime because you won't get it out it when you sell it.

 

8 bag with big airline kit rode pretty good from what i recall .. was pretty stiff with the small factory airline . not sure if you have done the upgrade or if its still available

 

Sounds like a ag100, the wall can be cut out, I did it to my 91kw, you have to take the sleeper off to do it right, use a peter built unibuilt frame, that 8 bag ag100 does suck

 

need to check liner protrusion b4 you replace head ......could be the reason gasket blew

 

Definitely have them check liner protrusion. If it just hydro-locked, it could be an injector cup. Easy to tell what cylinder by pulling a injector. If it locked up whilr running due to water on top of a piston it has a good chance of bending that rod. When they hydro lock after you shut them off there isn't enough force to bend a rod. Course if liner protrusion is your issue then they will have to come out to have the block cut.

I realize its an older truck, but it seems you have put a lot into it to make it what you want. If you trade for a later model used truck are you just trading for some one else's problems. What about maybe finding a later model low millage engine to sit in yours. I'm sure monday seems like an eternity cause your in limbo so to speak till then. Like you said no way to know the real damage till you get it apart. I still run a CAT block 10 years older than yours, hardley any thing in it or on it is stock. Other than having the liner height set this last time we built it its fine. Just trying to give you a little peace of mind is all.

 

That's real common some guys think they can see .005 difference with the naked eye or feel. Those dang die grinders with a roloc pad cleaning gaskets surfaces can be a curse on the earth, esp in the wrong hands and places.
I was taught a little different way I guess. Failure analysis is crucial to doing the job right and only once. Like drivers most mechanics are there for a pay check and hoping for some thing better to come along. Some of them are pretty good at it not to have the passion for the work that it takes to really do it right. All that being said when he tells you this will fix your trouble its hard to second guess him some times costly. Not only fixing it but finding the cause is what you pay him for. We all miss one from time to time but if its habit forming I would find some one new.