given the damage I'd do a timing set, better safe than sorry

 

I was planning on it but my question was more about WHICH kit...

Some just have the chains and guides and some come with everything including the tensioners and sprockets as well. The motor is at about 160,000 miles right now.

 

do the tensioners too sprockets may not be needed, but the rest I'd do

 

You shouldn't need the sprockets, yes technically they should be a matched pair (for wear pattern reasons) but I can't see it being that big of a difference.

I found this, not sure how good the company is: http://www.perfectengine.com/Dodge_4...-rccr287hp.htm

For $820 + shipping, you get:

Contents Include:
Full Overhaul Gasket Set without Oil Pan Gasket
Piston Set
Piston Rings
Rod Bearings
Main Bearings
Thrust Washers
Timing Chain Kit without Sprockets
Oil Pump
Freeze Plugs

 

I finally found the time to spend on this truck again. I pulled the head (and the other 100 parts that are in the way of taking it off) and found that the the valve seat did indeed drop. There was also contact with the piston. You can clearly see where the valve seat hit the top of the piston twice. Looks like it bent the valve seat back up after 2 hits and clearanced itself. But that's not saying much because I was also able to bend the valve seat by hand without much trouble.

There is a very light score mark (2 of them actually). Doesn't look like it took much force but I've heard that this can cause problems on the bottom end. My mechanic buddy feels optimistic about it and said that if it were his he would smooth out the score marks and throw a new head on it. What do you guys think?

The other valves all look great and all cylinder walls still have the original cross hatch marks. Just a little bit of carbon build up.

(Ignore all the crud in the cylinder. The valve covers were already off when I bought the truck and I couldn't pressure wash the engine before tearing it apart, but will do a thorough clean before re-installing anything)
156AD920-7A6C-4C52-B6E2-814BD32D23E8.jpg

 

I agree with your buddy. Stick a vacuum wand down that bore and throw a head on it.

 

Parts are in the mail...

 

If it were mine, I would also smooth out the marks in the piston and put a head on it. But, if I were getting paid to do the job for somebody else, I would recommend a long block.

 

Any tips on smoothing it out? I'm hesitant to sand it because I don't want sand particles getting into the rings. Razor blade maybe?

 

yea there's no easy or clean way to clean it up without pulling the piston out of the motor.