Hello folks, I recently purchased a 95 Dakota with the 3.9. Unbeknownst to me, I purchased it without any know how of the Plenum gasket issue. The truck runs fine but upon removing the air filter housing i noticed alot of oil buildup on the bottom of the plenum. Oil level was also very low.

My question is this. I have looked everywhere online and cannot find a website that sells the aluminum plenum pan. Anyone have any leads? Thank You!

BlueLiner

 

I dunno, I'd check Hughes Engines and Hi-Potek (both found by googling "Magnum V6 plenum repair kit" BTW.)

RwP

 

Ralph,

Thanks for the reply. I checked Hughes yesterday and i do not believe they still sell the kit for the 3.9. Hipotek seems to have the kit. Anyone have any feedback on that site?

 

Actually i spoke too soon. I was able to find it on the hughes site for $120. I guess i was searching it wrong. Thanks!

 

I had a link to both sources in my message.

RwP

 

You don't really need the aluminum plate. Simply changing the gasket, with one of GOOD QUALITY, (fel pro), and using some slightly shorter bolts.... and it will be fine.

 

Is it not the issue of two different metals being placed next to each other that causes the failure in the first place?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueLiner

Is it not the issue of two different metals being placed next to each other that causes the failure in the first place?

This is just my opinion, but I feel sure that the thicker alum. plate would seal for a longer period, but
How long did the factory pan last? And how many miles and years will you put on the truck?
Engines have used alum valve covers on steel heads, alum intakes on steel heads, and alum. heads on steel blocks....
If it was mine, and its not my everyday vehicle for the next few years, I would just replace the gasket and let it go.

 

No. I did the math, and the difference in expansion is measured in thousandths of an inch. The problem was a cheap gasket, and bolts that were a bit too long.

 

Well i bit the bullet and ended up ordering the Hughes kit. The truck has 155k miles but runs excellent shifts even better and has absolutely no rust. So i might keep it for a while.