Rebuild-How far do I go? 98 RAM 1500 5.2
Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
The engine is still in the truck, my brother drives tow truck so I can take it anywhere I need to, but they still can't deck the block in the truck I'm assuming... The cylinder walls are almost perfect and almost 0 ridge which is awesome! I replaced the WP about 4k miles ago. The Odessa heads advertise "ready to install" but should I still have them decked? What is the best way to clean the injectors, and can they get screwed up easily? Also, just to clarify what do you mean by knocking intake runners down to 1.5"? I'm trying to visually understand because I haven't had anyone mention the intake runners. Last question, how difficult is it to change the oil pump later on this guy? My 350 wasn't a big deal, but would I need to break down the top end of the motor again if I did it later?
As for cleaning the injectors, get an inexpensive sonic cleaner with a basket large enough to hold an injector or two. Mineral spirits makes an excellent cleaning solution. Completely submerge the injector(s) in the solution. They'll be fine.
Again, if completely pulling the block, replace the oil pump and clean the pickup. It's just easier to do this way.
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Amateur
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Spokane Washington
Thank you, I was going to try to avoid pulling the block, originally I was goin to but I didn't see too much benefit in pulling it vs rebuilding top end. I dunno. Just out of curiosity, what does cutting the intake runners accomplish? Simply more flow?
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Amateur
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Spokane Washington
Don't forget THESE. I don't think they come with heads. I believe thye are TTY and should be replaced.
Thanks, I picked up a set locally at motion auto suppu when I thought I could pull the head and have the plug removed and simply reinstall it. What the hell was I thinking? Lol I will say with many trucks I wouldn't put the time/money into but I do like my dodge so I don't mind fixing it the correct way and making it last, as long as I can afford it. I mean I'm only 23 and started business 8 months ago so there isn't too much of a surplus at this point lol. I will pop up some pictures tomorrow so you guys can see your advice in action haha. Thank you all very much for your input. I will be checking for additional thoughts, and I'm sure I will have additional questions as the process moves forward.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,482
Likes: 4,223
From: Clayton MI
If you can get access to a mechanics straight edge, you can check the block, and see how far out of spec it may or may not be. (Its quick, it's easy, it's painless.) Same goes for the heads. If the block does need to be decked, gotta completely disassemble it to do so..... if it comes to that, replace the rings, and rods/mains, along with the Oil pump, as suggested by VW.
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Amateur
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Spokane Washington
Got the new heads and double roller timing chain. That's the project for tomorrow! Got the new aftermarket heads and all the machine work done including the redecking of the heads out the door after tax for 597. Timing kit, gaskets, cover $60. The reconstruction begins.. 
