Everything you see there in the pictures looks like a engine at 133,000 and i didn't see any water in the valves so next the intake .

 

I am posting pictures in hope you guys may have some input. I haven't found any water in the system so far but I did notice the hose off the water pump to the intake looked real bad. replacing with new one. I broke one vacuum line that I will need to find where and fix that. I know I am going to spell this wrong but I think you will know what I mean. inside of intake was pretty clean and plune looked good. Going to pressure was intake clean. here some more pictures. What you guys think? Other a little cruddy. not as bad I as expected.

 

Yeah, yours was blown, but, not real bad. (plenum) Can see some oil pooling in there.

Motor really doesn't look that bad considering the mileage.

 

Thanks Hey You. Being this is my first time. It helps showing pictures of what I am looking at rather than me trying to explain. The pooling of oil isnt good then. Wasn't for sure but I was shocked that both the valves and in take was clear of water. The throttle body was a little nasty but I am going to clean everything up as good as I can. not in any rush here. I know this may be a crazy question but should I remove the rocker arms and tear down the head completely for the change or just remove the heads themselves and clean them up real good for the gasket change? I mean once I get the head off and see what the gasket looks like so that maybe it will tell me why the low compression in only the one cylinder. I didn't run the truck very long or even very much when the problem started. I am trying to keep the cost as down as possible but if I have to, I will replace the heads at this point. I thought having you see what I see may help you determine from what most likely needs to be looked into.

Thanks for all the help.......

 

You can just break the rockers loose enough so that you can pull the pushrods. Make REAL sure you keep track of what order they go in, it's important.. if you actually remove the rockers, order is important there as well. Gotta keep all those wear parts matched together.

I think matt nailed it back in post number four though... burnt valve. Could also be cracked heads..... rarely have I seen a gasket failure on one of these engines...... might just as well prepare yourself to purchase a new set of heads...... I wouldn't bother spending any money on the stockers. They have such a lousy reputation, it just ain't worth it.

 

Thanks, I will try that and if the gasket looks good, then I know what direction to head in. My neighbor said there a guy who will test them for like $30 bucks. That wouldn't be too bad to pay. I am going to look for heads as well and see whats out there. I did notice that a lot of the valve cover gaskets bolt weren't that tight. I was surprised since they haven't been touched but now I know to keep an eye on them. I will update pictures as I go so you can see the shape of the head gaskets too. I really appropriate the help and opinions. It really helps us how are not the normally the ones to go this far into a motor. lol. Thanks again

This is what I found on E Bay What do you think. I have to ask to make sure as well if they are ready to mount or do I have to add anything? http://www.ebay.com/itm/REBUILT-5-2-...744f96&vxp=mtr

 

Those are the same castings, (with all the same inherent problems) as the stockers. Even worse, they have probably been decked, so, the castings are even thinner than when they came from the factory. Look for Odessa, or Clearwater cylinder heads. They are right around 300 each.... but, they are FAR superior heads to the stockers, or any reman unit.

 

Ok, Are they on Ebay or where would I look for them? I'm in the Pensacola Fl area.

 

If it ain't too far, you could probably just drive down there. Buy yeah, they sell on ebay as well.

Here ya go. 565 a pair. (if you replace one, replace both......)

 

Man I dont have that much of a budget. Wished. Sad part is I grew up down there. I live 8 hours away now. I am crossing my fingers that maybe I could get lucky. they say these motors are good for 250,000. I will get the head off and take some pictures and see where it goes from there. Thanks for the help. I might have to cover her up till I can save the cash up.


I just found these but they dont look to be complete with rocker and valves. I am sure this is a dumb question but bare in mind, I'm a rookie here.lol I thought they were complete to install. Is that normal? This is what I found but it also says Dakota http://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-DAKOTA...56af7a45f#shId