Hey guys, it's been awhile but I'm still here. My general/technical questions are as follows..Can anyone recommend weather I should go new or reman for a replacement long block. Current magnum 5.9 360 w/281k. I'm in MD but I'm not sure where to get either type. I made it this far w/o replacing the pass side cylinder head. I would think I shouldn't replace the heads on a motor with that many miles. Did a comp test (dry/wet) and #'s stayed the same. Didn't do a leak down as it didn't seem necessary. I'm sure the rings are shot as I'm using almost 2qts per change. More tech q's after the first ones are addressed. I'll leave it at that for now. Thanks!!!

 

What were the compression numbers?

 

155psi +/- 10psi on all except #8 130psi (cel is on, scan reads #8 miss) I think it's the exhaust valve & seat(s)

 

At that mileage, a lot depends upon how much longer you plan on keeping the truck. You can purchase a reman'd long block from places like Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone with warranty, if desired. I'd be concerned about the condition of the rest of the truck, such as front suspension, transmission, front and rear differentials, brake lines, etc.

 

as long as I have too I'll keep it another 10-15yrs..half the shops round here don't even want to work on a truck so old..at this point most parts will need replacement.

 

do a leak down on number 8, its entirely feasable to rework a head and put it back together, those numbers arent bad at all actually with that mileage. and it is probably using more oil due to your plenum gasket than rings. I know mine does. Also, injector 8 has been known to get clogged too, so that's a thought.

 

What did the number 8 plug look like?

 

That would be nice if it wasn't the rings! I fixed the plenum over a year ago..

 

Hey B, the plug is pretty much ok. Not wet that's for sure. I went back to stock champs.

 

didn't know you had fixed it, I would STILL try changing the injector for 8, I went went aftermarket for all but honestly, what I thought was an engine problem turned out not to be. Even when you go for a new motor that problem may just surface again at the very least have them cleaned and and flow checked, not many people ever think about it but the injectors are your first line to a great engine. (And yes compression in 8 is down, which is might be due to lack of performance from injector 8.