So my 01 5.9 has been running pretty bad lately: sputtering, dying sometimes when stopping, rough idle. I changed plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Then rerouted the wires like they're supposed to be. Just had my exhaust replaced from headers, to cat to muffler to tips and all pipes. Replaces IAC, TPS, cleaned my air filter and fixed my airhat gasket. Noticed the headers were burning couple wires so replaced them and tied them up. Then I get a gross emissions leak so change my gas cap and check all vacuum lines. Only possible problem was the boot on canister under passenger side on the frame. Still not right.

Just drove it across the street and it died. Tried to start it and barely started and sounded like something in the motor is bouncing around and died again. Was afraid to start it but figured I had to, can't just call it a day and it made even worse noise and was grinding along with the clanking. Don't know if that was some really bad spark problems or what but now it doesn't turn over at all. Anyone have any idea???

 

And I fixed that vacuum hose too. Didn't mention that

 

it doesn't sound good.

first thing to check is the water pump. grab the pulley and twist it back and forth. should be tight with no movement. go ahead and remove the belt to eliminate any binding from an accessory. see if it turns over.

if not - disconnect battery. remove the spark plugs to relieve compression. try to turn the engine using a big ratchet/socket on the crank bolt. i think its about 1-1/4.

if it wont turn over, remove the valve covers and inspect the valve train.

after that - your going deeper and its not going to be good.

 

Well that doesn't sound promising. I was hoping it was a screwed up distributor since I didn't do the cap and rotor, had a no name shop do it. I was thinking the burnt wires and the erratic conditons for those few days screwed up what I already replaced. Maybe that's too simple minded but that's what I'm hoping lol. I just changed the ignition coil to see if anything would happen. It turns over but with nasty noises and stops. Then doesn't turn again, wait a little and it does. Weird cycle.

How would a water pump contribute? Are you just saying that since it wouldn't turn over? I haven't decided if i want to mess with it or send it to a reputable shop. I just don't want to pay the bill. Sick of paying for this. Bought it two months ago and had a problem every day. Thought it was a good investment, 85k miles, lifted, new tires, little rust, for 7k and ran good for two weeks then ****ty after that. i have the plenum kit and fastman tb sitting in the garage. That was my plan for the weekend, along with a new crank pos sensor since it will be easier to get to. I was also going to investigate the distributor while it was in clear view. I guess first thing in the morning I'll start banging on it.

 

Wow. Lots of stuff. If you are doing the plenum anyway, then pull water pump (I would replace as opposed to putting a used one back in) and also put a socket on crank and turn it and see if there is noise. Disconnect battery and pull spark plugs. Unless something is severly jacked, should turn easily and without any banging or clanging sounds. I would then suggest pulling the timeing chain cover off and seeing how much slack is in the change. I would replace it with a double roller timing set.

 

I'll give these a shot. Thanks for the responses. Anything else to look at while in there?

 

make sure you clean to top end well before pulling intake. Don;t want a bunch of crap falling into top of engine. Good time to check valve covers for leaks. Don't overtighten them - that's probably among the leading cause for the leak, distorting edge of cover. Torqu spec in FSM. Can't remember, but it isn't much.

 

I would look at the dipstick for signs of metal as in something may be coming apart inside. Good luck though.

 

Will do. Thanks

 

Definitely take a look at the timing chain and gears. I predict you'll find a real mess in there.