Complete cylinder head gasket replacement procedure for the 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins diesel, including removal and reinstallation of both cylinder heads with proper torque sequencing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cylinder head gasket set × 1 — Use OEM Cummins specification
• Valve cover gaskets × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Intake manifold gaskets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust manifold gaskets × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cylinder head bolts (if reuse not permitted) × 24 — Verify OEM reuse specification
• Coolant temperature sensor O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fuel injector seals and O-rings × 6 — Use OEM Cummins specification
• Rocker lever assemblies (if replacement needed) × 1 — Inspect during disassembly
• Pushrod set (if replacement needed) × 1 — Inspect for wear/straightness

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 18 qt
• Mopar 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Chock rear wheels.
2. Disconnect both battery cables, negative first, then positive.
3. Drain engine coolant completely into appropriate container. Open radiator drain and remove lower radiator hose.
4. Drain engine oil and replace oil filter to prevent contaminated oil from entering fresh oil during reassembly.
5. Remove engine cover and air intake system including air filter housing and intake tubing.
6. Remove radiator upper hose and overflow reservoir.
7. Label and disconnect all electrical connectors from cylinder head area including injector connectors, glow plug connectors, coolant temperature sensor, and camshaft position sensor.
8. Relieve fuel system pressure using fuel pressure relief valve on fuel rail.
9. Support engine with hoist or support fixture as engine mounts may need loosening for access.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and upper engine components
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Carefully lift off valve cover and gasket. Remove any brackets, wiring harnesses, or fuel lines attached to cylinder head. Disconnect and remove high-pressure fuel rail assembly with injectors (leave injectors attached to rail if possible). Cap all fuel openings immediately.
   Torque spec

   Valve Cover Bolts18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove intake and exhaust manifolds
   Disconnect exhaust downpipe from turbocharger and exhaust manifold. Remove exhaust manifold nuts in reverse sequence working from outside toward center. Remove exhaust manifold and gaskets. Disconnect intake tubing and EGR components. Remove intake manifold bolts and lift off intake manifold with gaskets. Inspect manifold mounting surfaces for damage.
   Torque spec

   Exhaust Manifold Nuts46 Nm (34 lb-ft)

   Intake Manifold Bolts33 Nm (24 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove rocker arm assembly
   Rotate engine to bring number 1 cylinder to TDC on compression stroke. Mark or photograph rocker arm positions. Loosen rocker arm pedestal bolts evenly in several passes to release valve spring pressure gradually. Remove rocker shaft assembly as a complete unit. Place on clean surface maintaining orientation. Remove pushrods one at a time, marking each with cylinder number and position (intake/exhaust). Store pushrods in order on a pushrod holder or numbered rack.
   ⚠Rocker arms are under spring pressure. Loosen bolts gradually and evenly to prevent binding or damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect remaining head attachments
   Remove glow plugs from cylinder head. Disconnect heater hoses and coolant bypass tubes from head. Remove any remaining brackets, ground straps, or sensors from cylinder head. Disconnect camshaft position sensor. Remove any oil supply or drain lines connected to head. Verify all connections to cylinder head are disconnected.
   ℹ️Take photos or label all connections before removal to ensure correct reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove cylinder head bolts
   Following the reverse of the tightening sequence (consult service manual for specific pattern, typically starting from outer bolts working toward center), loosen cylinder head bolts in several passes, 1/4 turn at a time. Remove all cylinder head bolts and store in order. Inspect bolts for necking, stretching, or damage. If bolts show any elongation or thread damage, replace entire set. Verify bolt length against service specifications.
   ⚠Cylinder head bolts must be loosened gradually in proper sequence to prevent head warpage.
   Torque spec

   Cylinder Head Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft) + 90°
6. 6

   Remove cylinder head
   Using lifting hooks or appropriate attachment points, carefully break cylinder head free from block. Use plastic pry points only at designated locations (never between machined surfaces). Lift cylinder head straight up evenly to avoid damage. Place cylinder head on clean padded surface with combustion chambers facing up. Remove and discard old head gasket. Inspect gasket failure pattern for indications of engine problems.
   ⚠️Cylinder head weighs approximately 90-110 lbs. Use proper lifting technique or assistance to prevent injury.
   ⚠Do not pry between head and block machined surfaces. Use only designated pry points or lift head straight up.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean cylinder head and engine block mating surfaces using plastic gasket scraper. Remove all traces of old gasket material. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. Inspect cylinder head surface with precision straightedge in multiple directions (lengthwise, crosswise, and diagonally). Use feeler gauge to check for warpage. Maximum allowable warpage is typically 0.002 inches over any 6-inch span. Check block surface similarly. Inspect cylinder head for cracks using dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection if available. Have head professionally inspected and resurfaced if warpage exceeds specification.
   ℹ️Professional machine shop inspection and resurfacing is strongly recommended for all diesel cylinder heads during gasket replacement.
8. 8

   Inspect valve train components
   While head is removed, inspect pushrods for straightness by rolling on flat surface. Replace any bent pushrods. Inspect rocker arms for wear on cam contact surface and valve stem contact point. Check rocker shafts for scoring or excessive wear. Inspect valve tips for wear patterns. Verify all components will be reinstalled in original positions or replaced as complete sets.
   ℹ️This is an ideal time to inspect or replace valve train components showing wear.
9. 9

   Install new head gasket and position cylinder head
   Clean cylinder head bolts with wire brush and inspect threads in block. Chase threads in block with appropriate tap if needed. Verify block surface is completely clean and dry. Install new cylinder head gasket onto block with all alignment dowels properly seated. Verify gasket orientation matches 'TOP' or 'FRONT' markings. Do not use any sealant on head gasket unless specifically required by manufacturer. Carefully lower cylinder head onto block, aligning with dowel pins. Ensure head seats completely on gasket without shifting gasket position.
   ⚠Head gasket must be installed in correct orientation. Verify TOP marking is visible and FRONT is toward front of engine.
10. 10

    Install and torque cylinder head bolts
    Lightly oil cylinder head bolt threads and underside of bolt heads with clean engine oil. Install all head bolts finger tight in their original positions. Following the proper tightening sequence (typically from center outward in spiral pattern), perform the 4-stage torque procedure: Stage 1 - Torque all bolts to 59 lb-ft. Stage 2 - Loosen all bolts completely (1 full turn). Stage 3 - Torque all bolts to 77 lb-ft. Stage 4 - Rotate each bolt an additional 90 degrees using torque angle gauge. Mark bolt heads with paint pen to verify rotation. Double-check that all bolts have been torqued through all four stages.
    ⚠️Cylinder head bolt torque procedure MUST be followed exactly as specified. Skipping stages or improper sequence will cause gasket failure and potential engine damage.
    Torque spec

    Cylinder Head Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft) + 90°
11. 11

    Install pushrods and rocker assembly
    Install pushrods in their original positions, ensuring each seats properly in lifter socket. Apply assembly lube to rocker arm contact points. Position rocker shaft assembly over pushrods and pedestal bolts. Verify all pushrods are properly engaged in rocker arms and seated in lifters. Install rocker shaft pedestal bolts finger tight. Following proper sequence if specified, tighten camshaft cap bolts evenly in several passes to final torque of 16 lb-ft. Rotate engine two complete revolutions and verify valve train operation and clearances.
    ⚠Ensure all pushrods are properly seated in lifters before tightening rocker assembly. Verify rocker arms are centered on valve stems.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Cap Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall manifolds
    Install new intake manifold gaskets onto cylinder head. Position intake manifold and install bolts finger tight. Torque intake manifold bolts to 24 lb-ft following proper sequence (typically from center outward). Install new exhaust manifold gaskets. Position exhaust manifold and install nuts finger tight. Torque exhaust manifold nuts to 34 lb-ft in proper sequence (typically from center outward). Reconnect exhaust downpipe to manifold and turbocharger.
    Torque spec

    Intake Manifold Bolts33 Nm (24 lb-ft)

    Exhaust Manifold Nuts46 Nm (34 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall fuel system and valve cover
    Install new fuel injector seals and O-rings on all injectors. Carefully install fuel rail assembly with injectors, ensuring injectors seat properly in cylinder head. Torque fuel rail mounting bolts per specification. Reconnect high-pressure fuel lines and all fuel system connections. Install new valve cover gasket. Position valve cover and install bolts finger tight. Torque valve cover bolts to 14 lb-ft in proper sequence (typically cross-pattern from center outward).
    ⚠Fuel injectors must seat completely. Do not force injectors or over-torque fuel rail mounting bolts.
    Torque spec

    Valve Cover Bolts18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect all components and fluids
    Reinstall glow plugs. Reconnect all electrical connectors to injectors, sensors, and glow plugs. Install camshaft position sensor. Reconnect coolant hoses, heater hoses, and bypass tubes. Install new coolant temperature sensor O-ring if sensor was removed. Reinstall air intake system and engine cover. Refill cooling system with 18 quarts Mopar OAT Purple coolant. Refill engine with 13 quarts Mopar 5W-20 synthetic blend oil. Reconnect battery cables (positive first, then negative).
    ℹ️Burp cooling system completely to remove all air pockets. Run engine to operating temperature and recheck coolant level.
15. 15

    Prime fuel system and perform initial startup
    Cycle ignition key to ON position (without cranking) 4-5 times to allow fuel pump to prime system. Check for fuel leaks at all connections. Crank engine until it starts (may take longer than normal due to air in system). Monitor oil pressure immediately upon startup. Allow engine to idle and warm to operating temperature while monitoring for coolant, oil, or fuel leaks. Check for exhaust leaks at manifold gaskets. After engine reaches operating temperature, shut off and allow to cool. Recheck cylinder head bolt torque after cool-down if required by manufacturer specifications.
    ⚠️Verify oil pressure registers within seconds of startup. Shut down immediately if no oil pressure is indicated.
    ⚠Monitor closely for any fluid leaks during initial operation. Address any leaks immediately before extended operation.

Reassembly

1. Torque specifications are critical for this repair. All torque sequences must be followed exactly as specified.
2. After initial startup and cool-down, recheck all fluid levels and top off as necessary.
3. Some manufacturers require re-torquing cylinder head bolts after first heat cycle - verify in service documentation.
4. Road test vehicle under light load initially, gradually increasing to normal operation while monitoring engine temperature and performance.

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth operation with no unusual noises from valve train.
• Confirm no coolant, oil, or fuel leaks at cylinder head, manifolds, or valve cover.
• Verify proper oil pressure at idle and under load.
• Check that engine reaches and maintains normal operating temperature without overheating.
• Monitor for white smoke (coolant) or excessive blowby indicating gasket failure.
• Perform cylinder leak-down test if available to verify head gasket seal integrity.
• After 500 miles of operation, recheck valve cover and manifold bolt torque and retighten if necessary.

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