Please say my Plenum gasket is not bad (pic heavy)
#11
And this is what my engine bay looks like after I replaced the passenger side and tried to clean it up as much as possible, cleaner but not much better(notice the pretty blue gasket peeking out slightly):
#12
#13
Make sure you twist the boot about a half of a turn, just to make sure it is free, because it could be stuck on something. I had to get a step ladder so that I could get a proper grip on the spark plug boots. There's not really a special way to get them off, just do not grab by the wire or you will be paying a trip to the auto parts store to get new plug wires.
Yeah, I hate looking at that cooked on crap... I'm gonna try to get all of it off one of these days.
Yeah, I hate looking at that cooked on crap... I'm gonna try to get all of it off one of these days.
#14
Yeah, I know the 1/2 turn thing. I've done that. I've twisted and turned the damn things almost 360*. Its clip thingy inside the wire thats sticking to the plug.
And for some reason, I can't use a step ladder, my head hits the hood too much.
Also, brake cleaner and a flathead screw driver??
And for some reason, I can't use a step ladder, my head hits the hood too much.
Also, brake cleaner and a flathead screw driver??
#15
It's faster and easier to just call 'em goners, yank until something breaks (or just cut the wire at the top of the boot if you've no frustration to vent) and hack out whatever remains to get at the plug. Using the above method I still usually break one or two wires of eight and end up replacing the set anyway, but every now and then I've gotten lucky and broken none.
#16
I did the TSB test on mine, although without a vacuum gauge. I put my thumb partially over the hose that goes to the airbox after plugging pcv and pcv port on intake. Then I sprayed degreaser between my thumb and the open portion of the hose. It blew bubbles, so I had positive pressure. I started to burn a little oil shortly thereafeter, so I did the plenum repair with a Hughes plate anyway. The gasket was poking out between the plenum plate and the intake when I removed it...so I assume the plenum was leaking. I say all that in order to say that I believe the truck can still have a plenum leak (maybe only a small one) even if it passes the TSB test. I did the TSB test again after I did the plenum repair and noticed considerably higher positive pressure.
To the OP, if the truck has 200k miles on it, the plenum is most likely leaking. If it runs good (no pinging and idles smooth) and uses very little oil and passes the TSB test, I probably wouldn't mess with repairing it. I mainly replaced mine to see if I could stop the oil consumption and because I was tired of wondering about the durn plenum.
To the OP, if the truck has 200k miles on it, the plenum is most likely leaking. If it runs good (no pinging and idles smooth) and uses very little oil and passes the TSB test, I probably wouldn't mess with repairing it. I mainly replaced mine to see if I could stop the oil consumption and because I was tired of wondering about the durn plenum.
#17
Ah the plenum. Mine had 215k miles on it before I decided to look in the TB and saw the same thing you have going on in your pics. Me and a buddy of mine took off the intake and saw just a little bit of gasket sticking out so yes you probably have a small leak like I did. I think I got lucky if that was it after that many miles. Of course now I have 247k on her and the original tranny is still kickin strong so I think I just got a lucky truck (knock on wood)
#18
The TSB is useless as far as I'm concerned. It will only show a major leak. Been there done that. If it's just a small leak, you won't be able to tell with the TSB. Meanwhile the cat is getting ruined/clogged, the #8 cylinder is getting hotter and hotter(because it's closest to the cat), and the head is going taking all the abuse from the extra heat. Then it cracks. Unfortunately , the only real way to tell, is to remove the intake.
Last edited by zman17; 10-05-2010 at 07:28 PM.
#19
confused!
I have a 98 dodge ram sport with a 5.2 magnum and I just replaced the intake manifold, plenum, and pan gaskets yesterday. Got it all back together and started it up. Now its idleing high. Fml I hate that when it rains, it pours. I just need a new engine to start off fresh with. Any ideas guys?
#20
I have a 98 dodge ram sport with a 5.2 magnum and I just replaced the intake manifold, plenum, and pan gaskets yesterday. Got it all back together and started it up. Now its idleing high. Fml I hate that when it rains, it pours. I just need a new engine to start off fresh with. Any ideas guys?
Then reconnect batterry.
Ideling High is hardly a reason to get a new motor.
Now if you shot a piston out the side of the block or something.....