I just purchased an 04' Durango SLT with the 5.7 hemi with 155k miles. It was running really rough and would hardly idle and i figured it'd be a broken exhaust valve spring (0 compression in that cylinder and oil leaking on the new air filter). Got the valve cover off tonight and confirmed my suspicion. The exhaust valve spring is most definitely toast on the number 1 cylinder. Although I know it is recommended to upgrade to the 6.1 springs I just want to fix this one and get it running for right now. I have found very limited information after running through forums and other sites for a few hours so thought I'd post some questions. This is my first time working on a a dodge motor as well so I'm in unfamiliar territory.

I'm going to be doing this on the vehicle so I've seen that I will need a tool to get the valve spring off. After looking at some of the designs I think I may fab up my own as it looks relatively simple unless I could find one to rent locally (aiken, sc).

The questions I have are how do you set it back up after installing the new spring? I'm not sure how to adjust this valve train upon reassembly as it is much different that chevrolet heads that I am used to seeing. If that is too broad of a question I can certainly get more specific.

Are there any how-to threads with pics or videos of this process? I figured there would be due to how common this problem seems to be.

Any and all knowledgable help or advice is welcomed and greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-Reggie

 

Indy Cylinder Heads may be able to help. I bought ported cylinder heads from them a few years ago and the heads were great, their customer service is terrible though.
FF

 

Also where can I order the valve spring? I can't find one online. Is that a dealership only part?

 

http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/index.php

http://indyheads.com/

http://www.compcams.com/

http://www.lunatipower.com/Category.aspx?id=23&pid=2

 

Reggie:
You may want to rethink your course of action based upon this information.
My D with a build date of 01/04 lost its original Hemi at 39K courtesy of a collapsed valve spring on cylinder #3.
The attendant valve dropped into the cylinder, and the engine was destroyed.
I would hate to see you loose what may still be a good engine to a $5 valve spring.
At last count, a good used Hemi is a couple a grand and no fun to swap.
The swap labor can be another $2K.
Don

 

how to change valve springs: I found this on youtube.

 

The 04 Hemis had an issue with valve springs, they break!
You can easily replace either spring on #1 cyl, but the rest of them will break, one at a time, possible with destructive results.
I replaced ALL the springs on my 04 and don't worry any more.
Www.airram.com has the PROPER Tool for rent at a great price. The spring design has changed to a beehive style with a damper, which is current production. This is a dealer part only, (why would you want any other) and they are less than $3 each. Bite the bullet and replace all of them now.
Dave

 

Much better design than the Chevy, there is NO adjustment, just be SURE to get the pushrods back in place properly, this is NOT easy, but patience wins. I did not replace stem seals or even the cover gaskets, they were all fine, and this was about 20k miles ago. I used compressed air with piston at TDC to hold the valves in place. The tool is well made and worth buying if the rental wasn't so cheap.