Symptoms of Head Gasket Failure. The symptoms of gasket failure can vary considerably depending on how the head gasket failed. Remember that it can fail in many different ways and the symptoms will depend on which area of the gasket was damaged or broken in the first place. ... If the surface of the cylinder head is warped, it will be unable to. Discussion Starter · #1 · Nov 13, 2009. Hi all, new member. I have only been on FTE before this. I have a 2002 250. with a 7.3 about 150,000, not really any mods. This past summer I put in a. 203* thermostat and new coolant. About 2 months ago I pulled the turbo and rebuilt and added a WW. Other than that just maintenance.