So as I was doing the Plenum on the Ram, I noticed a "rod" was out of place. I'm not much of a dodge person but thanks to this forum, I know what I'm doing; thanks!
Ok, now to business. When I removed the plenum I noticed this "rod" (not really sure what it is) was out of place. What happen? is there a possibility that a valve is bent? How would I fix this problem? Also, what can I use to clean all the smudge?

these are some piks I took:

 

That is a push rod, and you have some big issues there. Maybe you can replace it , and that lifter and get lucky. That is one nasty/dirty looking valve train.


Edit, For that to happen, a bad lifter or broken valve spring. Remove the VC and check it out.

 

Cleaning that is going to be a chore..... what I would suggest..... Is to use some variety of heavy chemical degreaser, after removing the oil pan, and pump..... You really dont want to wash it all into the oil pan, and leave it there........ You are going to want to pull your valve covers too, as I bet they look pretty much the same.

 

How about the head? would I have to remove them as well?

 

wow. that's bad. did this engine run? i bet not worth a ****.
how many miles on that engine?


as zman said, you have a push rod out of place, which means that one valve has not been opening and closing. i think that's an intake valve?? but it doesn't really matter - you HAVE to fix it.

first things first - find out what all is wrong before investing any more in it.
pull the valve cover on that side. remove all the spark plugs. inspect the valve train on that side and rotate the engine and see what's wrong. ...hope that your not pulling the head next....

next i would do a compression check to determine whether the motor is worth saving or not.

if you can save it, then do so.

to clean up the sludge mess, like Hey said, drain the oil and remove the oil pan, oil pump and filter and put a BIG rubbermaid or something under the engine - then (DO NOT SMOKE) pour diesel fuel or kerosene or gas into the lifter valley and swab it around with a paint brush. rinse it all down through the block. do the same with the valve train.

clean the bottom end up including oil pan, replace oil pump. i bet it will run a lot better than it used to. if it does, consider using some engine flush to clean up the all the places you couldn't swab out, including timing chain area. follow the directions and change the oil again afterwards.

good luck.

 

only if you have valve damage, or bad compression, or blown head gasket, or other serious problem.

you can replace rockers, push rods, lifters, and even springs and seals (with the string trick) without pulling the head.

 

Well, this engine did run, but it ran crappy. It did not have any power and it had a loud tick to it. sorta like a diesel engine would sound. After researching here, I decided that I would check out the plenum (seeing that it is a common problem).

The engine itself has 138xxx miles on it. We bought this truck back in 07 with the diesel sound already.

It was only a few months ago that it lost power and began running bad. After it threw the CEL I went to AZ and it gave three misfires. Cyl 2, 5, and 6. Cyl 2 has a spark plug that does not want to come out.

How can I do a compression test without an intake mani?

 

thats probably the dirtiest motor ive seen..... do you change the oil every 3K or 30K?

 

Don't need the intake to do a compression test. Pull the fuel pump relay so you don't squirt gasoline everywhere...... hook up enough of the electrical system that the engine will crank over. (disconnect the electrical connector from the coil too.....) Pay attention to the power wire that normally goes to the alternator.... tape it up, and secure it somewhere. Same goes for any other wire that gets 12 volts under normal circumstances..... (just do all of 'em, screw it. )

 

truth is that I do not maintain this truck. Its with my parents and it serves as a emergency vehicle. Since I dont live home anymore, I wouldn't know if they took care of it. I know that when I used to drive it, it was very torquey, but know, its a totally different truck now. It makes me sad. I do want to fix this truck. I love dodge rams!
could a damaged valve be visible without removing the head?

PS Thank you guys for such fast replys!