Best Head Gaskets for 6.0 Powerstroke – 2021 Review

| Last Updated: December 25, 2021

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To many, a gasket seems like an insignificant investment, but people don’t truly understand its importance. 

It may be a small component of your car, but it is an important one. It is also a part that tends to show signs of wear soon and needs to be carefully replaced with a high-quality one.

Keeping this in mind, we have decided to put together a complete guide to buying the best head gaskets for a 6.0 Powerstroke, which will include some incredible product recommendations and much more. So, you don’t struggle with finding the perfect product for you.

Comparison of the Best Head Gaskets For 6.0 Powerstroke

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • It is easy to install - even for inexperienced users
  • Manufactured from durable materials
  • Will stand high temperatures
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  • Best for the Money
  • High quality tested
  • Compatible with different models
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  • High-quality engineering and construction
  • Made from strong and durable materials
  • Easy to install on vehicle
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  • Multi-layered steel construction
  • Will withstand high temperatures
  • Made from strong and durable materials
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What is a Head Gasket?

Technically speaking, a head gasket is a small component of your car, which fills the gap between the engine block and the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. It may be small and seemingly insignificant, but it plays incredibly important roles for your engine. 

The basic idea behind a head gasket is to seal the cylinders such that there is a good amount of pressure so that the coolant or engine oil doesn’t leak. It is a critical part of any engine and serves as one of the most important sealing components; thus, it needs to be carefully chosen according to strength and reliability. 

How to Tell if I Have a Blown Head Gasket on My 6.0 Powerstroke 

One of the most important questions people ask is how they can tell when the head gasket needs replacement. Well, there are some obvious signs and some not so obvious signs. 

A head gasket serves as a sealant for the internal combustion engine. In the case of a blown head gasket, the most common symptom is an overheated engine as your engine coolant would leak without an intact sealant. Some more common symptoms are the engine's poor performance, unusual smoke from the exhaust, frothy oil, strange smells from the heating cabinet, etc.  

What Should I Look For When Buying a Head Gasket? 

People often inquire about what makes a head gasket worthy of investment. There are plenty of them in the market, but what should one look for when looking for a good quality head gasket? Well, there are certain factors that need to be looked over when buying a head gasket. These include:

Compatibility

The topmost thing to consider when buying a head gasket is whether or not it is compatible with your vehicle. This factor absolutely cannot be skipped as there is no point in buying a head gasket that doesn’t fit your transport. Don’t forget to double-check the compatibility from the official website of the brand, so you get accurate information and make no mistake. 

Quality

A head gasket is one of those components that serve an important purpose and have some quality requirements. It is one of those parts that starts showing signs of wear and tear quite early; thus, the strength and durability of a product are key concerns. Therefore, opt for a unit that is made with top-quality materials and ensures durability. 

Design

One of the most important considerations to take into account is the design of the product. There are two types of head gaskets; composite head and metal type gasket. Choose one according to preference. Furthermore, choose one designed to be sturdy, durable, and fit for imperfect surfaces.

Review of the Best 6.0 Power Stroke Head Gaskets

There are plenty of head gaskets available in the market; however, not all are made to meet quality standards. A head gasket is an important investment and thus should be chosen carefully. Here are some of the best options to choose from:

Best Overall:
MAHLE 54450A

PROS

  • Features a multi-layer steel construction
  • Does an effective and efficient sealing job
  • Lightweight construction and is easy to install
  • Works well under high pressure and temperature 
  • Constructed with OE equivalent or better materials 

CONS

  • Slightly pricier than some other options available

What Recent Buyers Report

This unit seems to have really impressed consumers. It is comparable to much higher-end models. It is incredibly reliable, lightweight, and easy to work with. It is applauded by professionals as well for its quality construction; thus, it proves to be a great purchase. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

There aren’t many units quite as well constructed as this one. The MAHLE head gasket is made with the topmost quality materials that allow it to be durable and well-constructed. It has a nitro seal and smart construction that enables it to act as an incredible sealant and prevent leakages to keep your engine running smoothly. 

Furthermore, it is lightweight and easy to install as well; thus, it proves to be incredibly convenient. It has multi-layer steel construction, and it works for many vehicles. With such an impeccable construction, it was bound to attract our attention. 

Bottom Line

All in all, this is an incredible unit. It is constructed to meet the gold standards set by higher-end models and competes well with them. It is a highly valuable unit that works as an effective sealant. Thus, it proves to be a great investment. 

Best for the Money:
CNS EngineParts MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Set

PROS

  • Highly durable and reliable
  • Lightweight and of high quality
  • Constructed to meet OE standards or exceed them 
  • One of the more affordable options on the market
  • Multi-layer steel construction allows improved sealing performance

CONS

  • Some buyers found it to be hard to install 

What Recent Buyers Report

Perhaps, this is one of the most consumer loved products on the market. It is highly accessible, given its quality construction and incredible price tag. It provides value and performance; thus, it is approved by professionals as well. Even though some do find it hard to install at first, the results are worth the slight struggle. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This wonderful product caught our attention with its excellent design and quality construction. It has a multi-layer steel design, which allows it to act as a better sealing agent. The construction is lightweight yet incredibly durable and reliable. It works under high temperatures and pressure well. 

Moreover, this stunning product was created, keeping in mind OE standards. Another great part about it is that it is approved by professionals as an affordable and valuable alternative to many higher-end head gaskets. 

Bottom Line

There aren’t many units that ensure good value; therefore, it is well-deserving of the best for the money title on our list. It is affordable but doesn’t compromise on quality, which is its best trait. 

3. Vincos Cylinder Head Gasket

PROS

  • Multi-layer steel construction 
  • Carries an unlimited miles one-year warranty
  • Engineered with top quality materials to be durable
  • Features state-of-the-art manufacturing that meets OE standards
  • Designed to withstand harsh temperature and pressure conditions

CONS

  • One of the more expensive option

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very fond of this unit. It is created with premium quality components that allow it to be highly sturdy and reliable. It can, therefore, work well under harsh conditions. Even though it is slightly pricier, the performance is worth it. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

We like this phenomenal model because it has been manufactured with a state-of-the-art technique that meets OE standards. It’s constructed out of premium materials that make it durable and reliable. Furthermore, it has a multi-layer steel construction, which further aids in compressing the cylinder and preventing leakage of fluids. 

There aren’t many products that come with such an incredible warranty, which makes it even more reliable. It has an unlimited one-year miles warranty. It withstands harsh temperatures and pressure well and therefore is a great investment. 

Bottom Line

Overall, this stunning product is a true gem. It is constructed with premium materials that make it one of the most durable and reliable units out there. It is slightly on the more expensive side of the spectrum, yet it is worthy of the investment. 

4. Fel-Pro 26375 PT

PROS

  • Lightweight construction and easy to install
  • Designed to fit uneven and imperfect surfaces
  • Proprietary coating helps withstand rough/harsh conditions
  • Features a unique combustion seal to accommodate high-pressure cylinders
  • Multi-layered steel construction to maintain stress and accommodate head lift

CONS

  • Lacks front and rear crank seals

What Recent Buyers Report

This head gasket has incredible construction and performance, which is why it’s a consumer favorite. It is adorned not just by regular customers but professionals as well. Whether it’s the price or the installation, it is created to be incredibly convenient. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Fel-Pro model caught our attention with its impeccable design and performance. It is affordable and accessible to people yet doesn’t compromise on quality. It has a multi-layer steel construction which enables it to maintain stress and accommodate head lift better. 

Furthermore, it has a proprietary coating that allows it to withstand harsh and rough conditions well. The lightweight construction and easy-to-install nature make it convenient for use. This stunning product is designed in a manner that enables it to fit uneven surfaces well. 

Bottom Line

Last but not least, the Fel-Pro unit is one of the best out there. It is constructed with the best quality materials to ensure proper functioning. It is highly durable and reliable and easily withstands harsh pressure and temperature.

5. Limicar Cylinder Head Gasket Set

PROS

  • Compatible with a wide range of vehicles 
  • Capable of withstanding high pressure and temperatures
  • Ensures maximum compression to prevent fluids from leaking
  • Built without a metal core so that it can be trimmed to fit perfectly
  • Designed with advanced technology which makes installation easy

CONS

  • Some buyers complained of missing O-rings and accessories

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very happy with this product. It is one of the few head gaskets that is highly applauded by consumers as well as professionals. It is easy to install, given its advanced technology construction. All in all, it has managed to become a consumer favorite. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This incredible Limicar cylinder head gasket captured our attention with its sturdy, good quality design and performance. It proved to be one of those products that are worthy of investment. It works as a sealant to ensure maximum compression and prevent leakage of fluids like engine coolant that may damage your engine. 

Another incredible feature of this unit is that it comes without a metal core. Thus, it can be trimmed to fit exactly to your vehicle’s model. Furthermore, it has durability and strength that allow it to withstand harsh temperatures and pressure and be more long-lasting.

Bottom Line

Overall, this product offers you great value, not just in terms of price but also quality and performance. It comes in a kit that is complete with all that you need for the installation of this incredible product. Furthermore, it is made to be durable and sturdy. 

How to Install a Head Gasket in a 6.0 Powerstroke

Installing a head gasket requires a certain amount of skill set and expertise, but it’s not as complicated and dreadful as it may seem to some people. Let’s take a look at how to install a head gasket on a 6.0 Powerstroke:

  1. First, get the blocks cleaned using a stoning block to get rid of all the gasket material prior to installation. 

  2. Now, in order to prepare the head gaskets, take the rocker carrier and place it on the gasket. Also, torque the bolts. 

  3. The copper washers and O-rings need to be removed from the injectors and replaced with new ones. It is important to make sure there is no debris on the injector as it may affect your pressure. Take the clamps and install them in the head gasket.

  4. Bolt a chain on the head gasket and keep it an angle. Make sure there is no ground wire between the head and gasket, as it may be problematic if something comes in between. 

  5. Now, lure the head down into the gasket and try not to move it around too much as it may disrupt the seal that is present on the head. 

  6. Once it is properly settled, remove the bolted-down chain. Then start putting the studs in and tighten them well.

If you feel as if you couldn’t grasp the idea by just reading the description provided, feel free to refer to the video below, so all of your confusion is cleared. 

Conclusion

Head gaskets are an important yet understated investment. It is a substantial component that requires a certain amount of research and knowledge. 

To save you the trouble of going through excessive research, we decided to gather all the necessary information for buying a head gasket. This includes some incredible product recommendations to get you started on your hunt to the best head gasket for a 6.0 Powerstroke.

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of how to buy a head gasket, how to install one, which one to invest in, etc. 

People Also Ask

People often tend to have a lot of questions when it comes to buying a suitable head gasket for their 6.0 Powerstroke. To dissolve any confusion you may have, we have taken your most frequently asked questions and answered them below. Let’s take a look at them;

How Long Does it Take to Do a Head Gasket on a 6.0 Power Stroke?

This depends upon one’s level of expertise in handling engine-related work. However, if the cab is off, then everything becomes accessible, and the entire process of tearing down would take about two hours. Some more time may be occupied while trying to torque stuff or clean the surfaces of the gasket.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Head Gasket on a 6.0 Power Stroke?

When considering a head gasket replacement, three costs are to be taken into consideration: labor cost, parts cost, and taxes included. Without taking into account the taxes, as they may differ, the general cost of getting a head gasket replaced is around $1000 to $1400. The labor costs are about $700 to $1000.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.