Sorry newbie here posted this in the wrong section earlier.



Hey guys, brand new to the forum. Just purchased a 1998 Dodge 2500 V10, 161k miles. This is my 3rd V10. Bought it from a guy ($800)that was driving down the freeway and it just died on him. I bought this truck to restore back to new condition and use as my weekend camping/trailer towing truck. The shop he took it to told him at the very least it’s a blown head gasket. I pulled the dipstick and yes, milky.

My question is should I rebuild the engine? Cost? Or I’ve found a used V10, 93k miles with 5yr/50k parts and labor warranty for $1950. I would still have install on top of that. What would you recommend, not knowing if it’s more than just a head gasket?

thanks for your help, I look forward to learning more from all of you.

PS Running boards and fender flares and cheap push bar already removed.

 

Welcome to the forum. The V10 has a history of cracked heads, so consider that.

 

5/50 warranty on a USED engine??? Hhhmmm...... most rebuilds don't come with that good of a warranty...... I would suspect they want it installed by a licensed shop as well, to maintain the warranty...

I might be tempted to pull the engine, and tear it down, see what ya got. Decide from there if replacement is a better plan.

Welcome to DF!

 

Thank you, I think I will pull it and see if the heads are cracked. I’m handy but not a mechanic, is replacing heads a DIY job? I figure if I get stuck I can take it to a mechanic anyway.

 

Mechanics hate it when you bring them a half completed project... They tend to charge more for that.

Really all you need is basic hand tools, an engine crane, and an eye for detail. Keep in mind, EVERYTHING about that motor is HEAVY. Gonna need a pretty beefy engine stand as well.

If you think this may be beyond your abilities/resources, take it somewhere, and get an estimate.....

 

Good point, don’t want to **** off the guy rebuilding my engine. Any chance anyone knows a good place in the Salt Lake City, Utah area? There are plenty of shops, but I’d prefer not to take it to a Ford lover.

 

Pulling the heads isn't hard. I know on a V8 you can do it in the engine bay, don't know about the V10. Worse case if it needs a rebuild put it back together and take the engine to a machine shop or a mechanic. Be warned it gets expensive fast. I have $3500 just in heads on a V8

 

Are you putting on new heads or having yours machined? $3500 sounds pricey

 

New heads as all the motors were known for cracked heads the heads themselves are $2,000 plus you need different style rockers and I threw a cam in there while I was that deep. Haven't ordered them yet but I'm already 6k into a V8

 

Good used motor sounds like the way to go