Ok, thanks in advance for reading this, I hope you are able to point me in the right direction.

Bought a low mileage truck that had sat for almost two years and I've been driving it a year now. Noticed the coolant ran dry. Replaced heater core, radiator and all associated hoses. Still burnt coolant. Pulled the head to do a headgasket. Pressure tested the head before using and it was cracked. Got a new head, not cracked, put it on with new plugs/wires/tstat/dist cap+rotor, no more burning coolant!

Did an oil change and noticed a knock once every 30 seconds or so... The next day it was on every revolution. No dash lights, no codes. Pulled the motor apart and what do I find?
1)plug #1 was a little brown, all others were still looking brand new
2)rod bearings badly worn on rod side (as opposed to cap side)

Since the head is brand new I'm not going to touch that.. Bottom end is going .020 over with everything wear and tear being replaced.

98 Dakota 2.5L 62k miles
2wd 5-speed regular cab
eBay CAI, cat-back exhaust

I was looking to replace my exhaust from header to cat, and install the 4.0L throttle body. But I don't want to if I'm just going to pre-detonate again.





WHY AN I RUNNING LEAN?

 

Wow that sounds like a lot of neglect by who ever owned it before you, I have the same Dakota and she is still running great at 120K miles and should last me till 240K.

Never had any overheating problems or coolant problems well one problem the radiators in these things suck I have had to replace my rad three times so far damn plastic top rads.

If you have the cash replace all your sensors especially the MAP and O2's

 

What gas do you use?

My 2.5 likes nothing but premium gas not sure if that is common or not but try premium gas and see what happens.

 

Why do you say especially the MAP? I will be doing the O2's when the motor goes back in. I'm worried about doing all this work and not fixing what caused it all to begin with.

 

Replacing the MAP made the most positive changes to how it ran and idled.

The O2's made a big difference also; I have changed all my sensors she runs like new now.

 

Neglect that’s the explanation these 2.5 engines are very dependable and strong just not fast they are for economy and dependability a city truck. I have had zero problems with my 2.5 just watch the radiators they suck that may be why your engine is so beat up they ran it dry and trashed the engine or they were pushing it like a madman.

Did you try looking for a used 2.5 as a replacement or like most a V6 as a replacement a used V6.

 

Last month I was looking for a head and had no luck. I decided to pull the motor before it became a total failure. I'd rather spend a little more than a junk yard motor to have a GREAT rebuilt motor. Do you always double post?

 

Do you want help or to be an ***?

Maybe you need to go some other place for help be nice or **** off.

 

Alright another 2.5 guy! Not too many of us around. That sounds like some serious neglect from the previous owner. My engine lasted until 233k before I rebuilt. I would try and replace the O2's and MAP.

 

00daksport25 some info for you the wrangler manifold will not help I have been talking to a Junker place out here in Tucson AZ he has a 2.5 that was trashed at 45K miles and has some primo clean parts I asked about the Wrangler manifold and he told me they are the same no diff they have the same part numbers so that’s a bust.