Ran the engine without the thermostat. Didn't even get up to normal operating temps and I was loosing collant out the rad cap.
Filled resevoir to the very top and saw bubbles.
Exhaust gasses are pressurizing the coolant system resulting in venting which removes coolant which reduces cooling capacity which makes it overheat.

You guys definately know your stuff .. my head gasket is pooched. Maybe worse.

I don't know if I'm opening a can of worms here. I was ballparked $1500-3000 for a gasket change and worst case new head.

Would it be better to just swap the engine .. to a better one? Like a Hemi?

 

Try this thread HERE

 

Uh----cracked head-----get out your wallet.

 

Honest opinion guys .. truck is in great shape, hate to sell it for pennies on the dollar. What would you do?

I only have a few thousand available to me right now.

 

If it were me I would take the engine apart myself, have the heads checked for cracks by a machine shop, replace/repair them accordingly, buy new head gaskets and bolts and put it back together and keep driving it.

 

Thanks a bunch for that link on how to do it step by step. It looks very hard. I'm usually pretty good at this stuff but this might be over my head. (no pun intended .. LOL)
I have all the tools and the time needed. I'd just hate to screw it up even worse.
I was looking at remanufactured engines for $2K and brand new ones for $3200 .. I think they should be easy to install vs teardown and rebuild?!

thoughts?

 

I'm very mechanically inclined so i would do my own. Everything on my truck I've done myself. With that being said, you need to decide if you want to do it yourself or get possibly financially raped by the dealer or shop mechanic. We are here to help if you want and need it.

 

If you ever need a kidney or something .. Just ask. I'm a canuck, so you know the gasket is in good shape .. LOL

What do you think about this? http://www.carparts.com/details/Dodg...MEIC2871C.html

Easier?

 

Easier? Sure.

Cheaper? Not for me because all it would cost me is about 300-400 total. Checking and machining the heads at about 125. Then head gaskets and bolts, coolant and oil.

But that takes time, patience and skill.

 

I'm with weed-----

If the rest of the engine is in good shape, save the extra cash for mods, do the heads and /or gaskets yourself----You wouldn't be the first thats been saved here, Weed might even have the FSM for your truck----if you ask him nice

The only thing that might hold you back is the tools, or access to what you need