Replace a 3.9?
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2006
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From:
Replace a 3.9?
Hi,
I have a 2000 Dakota with a 3.9 auto trans. She has overheated some recently due to leaking freeze plugs. I think I may have a blown head gasket , or bad cam lifters. At idle the oil pressure gauge registers fine, and there is no clatter from the engine. But after the engine warms a bit if you rev it up the clatter starts and gauge drops tp zero. One mechanic said over heating could've melted the cam bearings. Also said might be better / cheaper to get another engine.
Have found a 98 3.9 out of a van for $600. And a 3.9 out of a Dakota for $750. Both have less miles than my engine (130,000). Would the 3.9 from a van work?
Plenty of oil in the engine, did switch to syn on last change. Very slight discoloration on underside of oil filler cap. Never experienced any problems before, always changed oil regularly. But has over heated about 3 times. Thanks.
I have a 2000 Dakota with a 3.9 auto trans. She has overheated some recently due to leaking freeze plugs. I think I may have a blown head gasket , or bad cam lifters. At idle the oil pressure gauge registers fine, and there is no clatter from the engine. But after the engine warms a bit if you rev it up the clatter starts and gauge drops tp zero. One mechanic said over heating could've melted the cam bearings. Also said might be better / cheaper to get another engine.
Have found a 98 3.9 out of a van for $600. And a 3.9 out of a Dakota for $750. Both have less miles than my engine (130,000). Would the 3.9 from a van work?
Plenty of oil in the engine, did switch to syn on last change. Very slight discoloration on underside of oil filler cap. Never experienced any problems before, always changed oil regularly. But has over heated about 3 times. Thanks.
Record Breaker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,320
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RE: Replace a 3.9?
Sounds like a head gasket. But not sure about the engines working. If I were you and wanted to keep the truck I would upgrade the engine while you are in there. The 5.2 Fits right in, and so does the 5.9 with a slight modification of one of the brackets. (Grinding to slide it in) One of these will cost you a little bit more but will probably give you better millage and a more fun truck to drive. And from your engine, and transmission I am guessing the transmission will need a rebuild or replaced soon. If that is the case you can get the tranny too. But whatever floats your boat! lol.
Record Breaker
Joined: Jul 2007
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From:
RE: Replace a 3.9?
moe in wichita ks
an other way is to get a rebuilt engine/ tranny. there is a a rebuilder named jasper, they do engines and tranys. i dont know much about them, but my mechanic says they do good work. a new engine with a warranty, just something to think about.
Champion
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,313
Likes: 8
RE: Replace a 3.9?
it is a bit far out
but until a few years ago
Dodge's Brazil factory built a diesel version of the Dakota
so factory parts exist to convert your
3.9 V6 gasoline Dakota with modest resale value
to an unusual diesel Dakota that might be worth twice as much
check emissions testing required in your area for your model year
but until a few years ago
Dodge's Brazil factory built a diesel version of the Dakota
so factory parts exist to convert your
3.9 V6 gasoline Dakota with modest resale value
to an unusual diesel Dakota that might be worth twice as much
check emissions testing required in your area for your model year