Is there anyway to tell if my plenum has been replaced? I have some of the normal problems but not all little to no low end power, not burning oil and mileage is about avg, 13 - 14 highway. low end torque 0 - 60 (without passing gear) about a week and a half. Also losing antifreeze somewhere dry floorboards, nothing in oil or exaust. truck has @130,000 had 75,000 when I bought it. pics would be awesome. Thanks I know Plenum questions are like a mother in law coming to visit for those of you with the answers. Thanks

BTW everyone go and participate in Dakotas picture challenge thread (sticky)

 

Use a mechanics magnet, on the telescoping handle, stick it down the throttle body, and see if it sticks. If it does, still got the original pan. While you are there, shine a flashlight down in there, see any oil? If you do.... Time to make the donuts. Erm, yank the intake......

 

Not to be contrary, but oil on the plenum pan can just as easily have come by way of the PCV valve, especially if it's failed at some point in the past. I'd think it much better to test with a vacuum gauge before tearing into something that might not be broke in the first place.

 

On mine, when I looked, there was about half a quart of oil in the bottom of the intake...... PCV valve rattles nicely, and is actually a chrysler part....

Its true, the PCV valve can contribute some oil to the intake, but, not generally on the grand scale you see when the plenum is blown. Checking the PCV hose, to see if there is oil in there IS a very good plan though.

 

I was gonna mention the magnetic tool that heyyou mentioned... although it will only tell you if it was fixed properly using an aluminum pan... I suppose it's possible that someone replaced the gasket and re used the stock plate, but that just leaves you back at square 1.... stuck with a known failure point again.....

 

Nah... it leaves you with bolts of the correct length so the gasket is clamped properly.

 

Provided whoever did the work was aware of the problem in the first place.....

I will agree though, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unless you have spare time and money....