So here is my main question; I understand that some cracking between valves on the head is common enough, the goal is to squeeze another couple seasons out of it until an eventual repower is in the budget. That being said with any luck I can slap it all back together and call it a day. But in the unfortunate event the heads are indeed fried, has anyone gone the aftermarket route with new heads from Clearwater for example or something similar as opposed to oem from UD. I know they are made for the trucks, but at something like a third of the cost is this an option? just wondering if anyone has gone down that road and things are compatible, fitment/alignment/ passages/exhaust and all that. Appreciate any input, first time i've had a diesel anything so learning as i'm going.
As an aside, I've read plenty about the 6.5s less than desirable reputation, but I have to say, in my own experience at least, I've certainly appreciated its ease of use and as stated, have been pretty well satisfied with it after a year on buzzards bay, I don't mind dumping a little bit of blood and tears into her. At least until there's Yanmar money around anyway
Thanks for any opinions.