What are they key warning signs of 2.6 liter head or head gasket failure?

Previous posts point out that failure is most often caused by exhaust side overheating, and what this does to the mixed metals in the head. Apparently the exhaust side can overheat even if the cooling system is working perfectly and temperature readings are normal.

I've gone back through previous posts to see what the forum has experienced. There have been dozens of failed heads and head gaskets. Most of the forum regulars have a ton of mechanical background. In general, I would have to think that forum participants are on top of preventative maintenance - replacing catalytic converters, checking out the cooling system, etc. Yet most of the time we don't pick up the warning signs.

This makes me think there are usually no warning signs!

What do you recommend as something to look out for?

There are lots of warning signs, people just refuse to see them <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

1. running the engine over the half way mark and thinking nothing is wrong.
2. Failure to cough up $160 for a new OEM fan clutch
3. Faulure to have radiator serviced.
4. Old cat or old muffler with partial blockage
5. engine running lean or out of time.
6. putting a body lift on a old truck and removing the fan shroud.
7. High RPM's on a old engine.

I'm sure there are many more.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

These aren't warning signs but, poor maintenance

Warning signs would be along the lines of...burning oil, oil in coolant, coolant in oil, low compression, etc... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Those are obvious signs <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> poor maintainace is a big sign of upcoming head-gasket failure <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

These would be signs that the head or head gasket has already failed.
It sounds like there are no signs that the head / head gasket is about to fail.
Is there nothing to clue us that disaster is just ahead?

Sure there is. Just pull the head and inspect. You should see some sign of impending danger. But if you don't, go ahead and check the head for warpage and replace the head gasket. Then reassemble.

Clay

Don't tell my Cat, I get a 30 second warning on all natural disasters. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> My wife calls her the "Alert Cat" I wonder if you can train them for automotive use <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Let's say you just bought a 2.6 liter with 150,000+ miles. Everything checks out OK - cooling system OK, catalytic converter OK, compression OK, no leaks. Would you recommend pulling the head as a matter of practice - to know where you stand?

I would say it is good or it is blown. If you have no sign of it being blown...i wouldn't mess with it. But that is just my opinion.

It depends. In hindsight replaceing the head with a clearwater would have been my first repair. The bottom end on the 2.6 is rock solid and the new head refreshes the motor.

For me this truck is just a hobby. In my younger years I would have ran it until it ran no more. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />