2004.5 RAM/Cummins exhaust manifold leak advice needed

[brutal]

Still haven't gotten pics.

Convinced my manifold is cracked/leaking. Jury still out on the turbo. Pending further inspection, Lord I hope I don't need to order a new turbo too. Looking at the BD Killer B if I must.

Ordered some parts yesterday. BD manifold and gasket set. Still need to figure out a good stud kit.

I'm super leery of buying any Dorman parts, most are junk in my experience. Not sure who makes the kit Geno's sells but I can probably source something from Fastenal.

DFBrews, I've seen mention of using the stock Cummins turbo studs/nuts. Any recommendations? Need 10-1.5x65mm(?) seems 62-65mm is the right length to stud without worrying about the heat shield going back on but I haven't had time to dig much further.

[brutal]

Well farts.

I expected to be able to do DIY this, but it looks like it's gonna have to go into the shop. Pretty bummed at this point. $$$

I got exactly 4 bolts to come loose without too much complaint, didn't press my luck on the others. The #1 cylinder top was already broken and the bottom let go with very little pressure from a 3/8 ratchet.

99% certain I have a turbo leak here too.

[CS1983]

bummer

[ray1970]

Must be a Dodge thing with those bolts. My gas engine broke a few of them near the back cylinders. Got all of them out except one and then I got pissed off and just put it back together that way for now.

Maybe some day when I'm super bored I'll yank that head and fix it right. At least the new gasket and the bolts I did replace silenced the exhaust leak for now.

[ray1970]

Oh, and yours look fairly easy to get to. The angle of the head on my V-8 and the fact that I had a steering shaft and frame in my way made mine a real pain in the a$$.

[brutal]

Oh, and yours look fairly easy to get to. The angle of the head on my V-8 and the fact that I had a steering shaft and frame in my way made mine a real pain in the a$$.

It's probably not a bad job for the right shop with the right tools - as in a drill guide. Not something I expect to invest in.

I just hope the rest, particularly #5 and #6 come out OK. Probably should have some heat first too.

I fear this is going to turn out to be an expensive repair at a time I cannot really stomach sinking more money into my vehicles.

[Grant H.]

That's never fun.

Travis at BH Diesel would be a good option down south.

Dark Horse Diesel by Johnstown would be another excellent option. Dave and Ronnie are both good options and they do good work.

Rich Rhoades of R&B Automotive is also a well liked/respected diesel shop in the area. They are up in Ault.

[brutal]

I'm going to go Monday and talk to Tom at Diesel Repair. He's always been straight with me.

I hate to drive it far in it's current condition with both #1 bolts out/busted, and a distance tow isn't palatable for me either. They are just 3 miles from me.

[Grant H.]

I'm going to go Monday and talk to Tom at Diesel Repair. He's always been straight with me.

I hate to drive it far in it's current condition with both #1 bolts out/busted, and a distance tow isn't palatable for me either. They are just 3 miles from me.

If you've got a shop you trust near by, that's the way to go.

If that isn't going to work PM me. I have several diesels and more than a few trailers. No sense in paying for a tow.

[brutal]

If you've got a shop you trust near by, that's the way to go.

If that isn't going to work PM me. I have several diesels and more than a few trailers. No sense in paying for a tow.

If it comes to that, I have a friend in Elizabeth with a car hauler and truck. I know it's had at least one Dodge on it (out of state purchase, haha).

Thanks just the same.