Hey people. So here's the low down. Picked up a 2001 dodge ram for really cheap. Im a mechanic working at a Ford dealership, and have done my whole apprenticeship with Ford, Dodge is a new realm for me. Anyways, truck came in with a lot of issues so we were gonna whole sale it, I thought Id try to save it. And so begins the battle.

Cel was on - some o2 codes. naturally, replaced both o2's still code on demand. After some careful diagnostics, replaced the pcm. Issue resolved.

Had some evap codes - smoke tested and found evap line at canister rotten - repaired and replaced purge solenoid - issue resolved.

Noted truck pinged a lot and oil consumption was heavy and smoke on start up. Intake was not full of oil but replaced plenum gasket as a preventive measure.

Valve covers leaking oil - replaced both valve cover gaskets.

Replaced plugs cap and rotor. noted plug #8 covered in oil. Tore down and found #8 intake valve seal torn. Replaced all valve seals - oil consumption issue resolved. However - developed new issues.

Since replacing the valve seal - #8 plug tip completely melted away. Inspected cylinder and piston with boro scope - some carbon on piston but can still make out the dish on the piston - conclusion - carbon build up not as bad as I suspected. Have now switched to high octane fuel but really don't want to have to keep doing that, **** is expensive. Has helped with pinging but looking to resolve issue.

Have performed cylinder leak down test and compression test - pass.

Have used the search function and based on that my next option is to replace t stat. From what I read, 180 would be a good option to go with. The truck is operated in northern Canada, right now we are at -35 Celsius. Also, the old dodge just aint pumping the heat out.

Does a 180 t stat help with pinging ?

If there is anything else that can be suggested I greatly appreciate. I have recently just tried 4 cans of tune up cleaner through it as well as trying to steam the motor by running at a very hot condition and using a vacuum line to suck in water.

The last plug I changed lasted 18 km under heavy driving conditions before showing evidence the tip was about to melt off.

Also, other mods performance wise that have been performed
-CIA
-TB spacer
-Cat back exhaust

Sorry for the randomness of my post, and I have been using the search function, I'm hoping I didn't miss the most obvious sticky.

 

Have you checked the catalytic converter? If it's clogging up due to that formerly blown plenum the rearmost cylinders, and particularly #8, are going to run very hot.

 

No, have not checked the cats yet, but a very good idea. Any paticular way to check them aside from dropping them and looking at them ?

 

pull the pre-cat o2 sensor and check the pressure with a pressure gauge.

 

Will do ? Any thoughts on running the 80 T stat ?

 

I say no to the 180 tstat the truck came factory with a 195 so that should be fine now.

Here are a couple of things to try after you check the cat

Run two cans of Mopar Combustion Cleaner, p/n 04318001 through the motor.

Make sure the sparkplug leads are routed as per the TSB. http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/18-48-98.htm

Install autolite 3923 sparkplugs (cooler heat range)

Check number 8 fuel injector might not be flowing right.

Link to ping issues and how to fix
http://dodgeram.org/tech/gas/Trouble/ping.htm

 

Awesome ! Read the write up, very informative. Thank u

 

i had a leaking plenum and didn't know it until i installed a hypertech programmer to advance the timing - and then it was ping city on 87 octane. 92/93 octane quietened it down, but as you said, its too expensive.

i tried a 180 tstat and 3923 cooler plugs - they were no help.
i did the plenum fix and it stopped the pinging.

assuming you have stock pcm programming - and still have pinging, i'd suspect you might still have a leaking plenum. overheating on #8 is also suspicious. good call on merc above about checking/swapping the #8 injector.

TB spacer won't help any. these engines inject directly into the port. complete waste of money.

 

I'm getting ready to do plenum swap this weekend and I too have an oil covered #8 plug! I'm no expert on engines and I'm concerned about the #8valve seal as well. I wonder if the clogged cat due to plenum is causing the oil leak at the plug or if it's clogged cat fouling plug. Any way to tell if it's one or the other? Guess I'll find out if it still leaks out #8 after the plenum fix and cat gut/ repair. I sure hope that solves the leak. I don't have any pinging but i'm sure the plenum gasket is shot. Most everyone says that it is since I'm running a '95 model! I'm running through 1.5 qts in less than 1000 miles!

 

I meant , leaky valve seal vs. clogged cat that would be fouling plug! Man I must have been out of it last night! Still getting over the flu...