Hi:
I have a '99 5.9 Durango, and it has been showing the classic problems of intake manifold gasket leaking (fast oil consumption, rattly noise going uphill, etc).
Is there a DUY to do the job myself?
How hard is it? How long will it take?
Thanks for your answers

 

Replace the plenum gasket and intake and after the repairs, go to the dealer and have the pcm controller flash to the newest software. Because you may a have an engine ping after the repairs.

 

Master, you aren't talking about the death flassh are you??? I would personally switch to a higher octane fuel if you get a ping...

 

I think for those that has the death flash, you can get it reprogrammed using hypertech programmer if your D is a 5.2/5.9

 

Replacing the intake manifold gasket takes a few hours. It's not that difficult, just time consuming. I would purchase a haynes manual if this is your first time doing it. And make sure you remember where everything goes, digital pics always help. It's best to do it when you don't have to drive the truck for a few days just in case you run into any problems. This is a good time to replace any worn out lifters or camshaft if damaged. If you have the extra time & money I would personally replace the timing chain and thermostat. (switch to a 180 t-stat,help reduce any chance of pinging) And buy plenty of parts cleaner to clean the intake with! I imagine the dealership will charge $400+ to do this task.

 

The pcm flash retards the timing so the engine won't ping.

 

Yeah but is that the flash that Dodge does for cars that are pinging where the customer walks away with a severe power loss?

 

Don't do the PCM flash. It doesn't FIX the problem. It just covers it up. He's still going to be going through oil and have crappy fuel mileage because his spark plugs will be covered in oil.(+detonation) He can also put 92 octane in it and it will stop pinging. It's only pinging because the plenum gasket is blown. Replace the gasket, not that hard.

 

I am going to do the replacement on this upcoming weekend...
Any special issues i need to check?
Any DIY already written out there?
Thanks!

 

Nicobel you can hit up Johnnymagnum for a link to an 01 dakota manual. It is a very good manual and will cover most of the procedures to repair anything on your D.