I'm not really seeing any signs of a bad gasket there....... You might actually be better off going with a crate engine, then you KNOW you have the problem solved.. So far, I am not seeing anything that I would point at, and say: "There's the problem."..... Which makes me nervous.

 

I agree, me nervous too, especially after tearing into it this far. So glad I didn't buy any parts yet. I was so convinced it was the head gasket almost pulled the trigger on all of those parts, heads and all but told myself to wait.

Any recommendations for a supplier of good crate engines? It's the 1998 5.2L "Y" engine paired up with a 44RE transmission on a 4x4 Dakota. I saw a couple but it wasn't clear if they were using new cast heads, as otherwise might end up with cracked heads.

 

Ever considered an 'upgrade'? I don't think the cost difference between the 5.2, and 5.9 engines is going to be that much, if any at all.... just get your PCM flashed for the larger motor, and down the road you go.

I've used Jasper with some success. Of course, in order for them to warranty the motor, you have to have it 'professionally installed' with a selection of new parts..... (I think it's posted on their web page..... ) Never had any problems getting them to honor their warranty either. However, that said, I would suspect that they use reman heads, and not new castings..... You might be able to request them, for a couple hundred bucks more. (and a longer wait for the motor......) Also, keep in mind, they are going to want your dead motor back.

 

The 5.9 engines had the 46RE transmission paired with them, my truck has the 44RE. So I don't really want to mess around with that, I just want something that will bolt on without any hassles while doing it or later on.

I found these guys so far, they have the new casting heads.
https://www.blackwaterengines.com/pr...magnum-engine/

 

The 44RE will be fine behind the 5.9. The 5.9 is easier to find and makes about 40 HP more. It's the 42RE that can be questionable behind a 5.9. They all bolt up just the same.

 

Well maybe it's the light playing tricks but it looks like the lower left has a breach. Is that a hole in the gasket between the bolt hole and the cylinder? Either way those gaskets aint in the best shape!





A lot of rust between the two center cylinders. You could have multiple leaks.

 

That's just a blob of sludge, should have wiped them down first.

I guess I would have expected major damage to the gasket, as I saw at least 1/2 quart or more of coolant dump into the oil within 16 miles or so. I had checked the oil the night before and it was fine, right at max line. When I checked it when the tow truck guy arrived it was way over the max line, and it completely filled the empty 5 quart container and there was still more to go when I drained the oil.

 

This isn't a bad price for some reman'd heads...

https://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/0...634+4294829113

 

But they are still Remans..... I would avoid them like the plague.

 

I called one of the local repair shops here that I found on Jasper's website about a replacement 5.2. They have excellent Yelp reviews so was feeling good about them until just now. They quoted me around $8500! He said they replace all hoses, pressure check system, etc... he was trying to emphasize how thorough they are which goes along with the reviews I was reading, but sheeesh was hoping it would be 1/2 that amount.

I'm tempted to get an engine from somewhere else and do it myself, problem is my driveway is not flat (I don't know the exact angle, but it's kinda steep) and I'm concerned that I'd have a hard time moving the engine around with a 2 ton crane. Plus taking delivery of it and moving the crate around.

Guess I'll try calling one of the other shops they listed. I'd like to stick with my old truck since I know it so well, hard to determine where that cutoff point is though. I'm in SoCal so body is in good shape with exception of the paint peeling off in some spots which looks to be a common problem. It's been a good workhorse.