It seems like half of you are thinking it could be a plenum or oil pump issue, and the other half are thinking the engine is shot. If the engine is likely shot, I should save the little cash I have left. I can't afford a replacement engine.

I've got a guy that can do the plenum work for me, and the parts seem cheap enough. I don't suppose I could return an oil pump if that turned out to not be the issue.

 

Before you start looking at buying any parts, do yourself a favor and figure out what the issue is first. Do a compression test. That will tell you what your cylinders/rings look like... Have a look down your throttle body (may need to take it off). If you see pooling oil, you have a bad plenum gasket. I know it seems like a lot, but these are pretty easy tests and they will tell you what you are going to need. Worst case, you need an engine, and in that case, engines are cheap. Its the install that can get you if you have to pay to have it done. Also not that difficult, as you would find out, if you have to. The biggest issue would be finding a buddy with an engine hoist and basic hand tools that you could borrow. Look around on craigslist for "parting dodge" or something similar. You may get lucky. I have a good 5.2 that I would let you have, if you were closer. They are out there, and dont get discouraged. Keep us updated, and good luck.

 

No way the plenum has anything to do with the oil pressure. I'd drop the pan as stated first, get that solved then worry about the plenum.

 

ok first off dont freak out too much yet. check you oil and if its low look under the truck and see if there is any sign of a leak. if you see residue one thing you can do is take it to the car wash and clean it up with brake clean or engine degreaser and then use the power was option to clean it up. Then take it for a drive to see where your leak is coming from. these second generation dodges have a oil pressure switch that is famous for doing out and/or causing a leak. (just replaced mine and it pretty much fell apart with not much pressure on the socket) Look at the back of your block by your distributor for that oil leak, the switch is right there and easy to change yourself.

If you dont have a oil leak.. is smoke coming off the engine or out the tailpipe? Dont just jump to worst case. these engines can be a little forgiving. find your real issue before playing a guessing game because you will be wasting a lot of money. good luck.

 

You could find a running replacement motor from a junkyard from anywhere to 600 bucks to above a thousand.

If the body, frame, suspension etc. is good find another motor

 

+1 on compression check. THis will give some idea on engine life. Also dropping oli and to take a peak. Neither of these are costly and may give an indication if engine is worth spending money on.