It seams all the bad head gaskets and head failures were a result of over heating. We use a Chevy flatbed with this 8.2 in it for our water truck at our MX track. I have tried to make sure that every one operating it understands to never let it get hot. Been a good truck so far.

I can add my second-hand info on this...............all my truck and RV friends echo the overheat warning, also saying it is a decent engine.

I am very encouraged by the replies I received in this thread. It would seem that keeping the engine at normal operating temperature is the key. That would also seem to explain why marine versions of this engine are considered solid engines....they don't have a radiator to get plugged up. I will be switching to DexCool this fall when I install a block heater.

Thank you to all who replied!

Bob