Last week my 04 Hemi's oil dropped to zero and the check engine light came on. I immediately pulled over shut it off and checked the oil. Well overdue for an oil change there was barely any oil on the dipstick. Luckily this happened directly across the street from Valvoline. Quick oil change and I was back in business.

Until today that is......... On my way home from Atlanta I punched it and was followed up by the oil dropping to zero again. Checked oil and its still full but the engine is making a horrible banging sound now. I started it back up and the oil pressure came back up and noise went away. I had no choice but to drive it home and shut it down each time the oil pressure dropped. Happened 4 or 5 times on the way home. Any idea what has happened here aside from an idiot not changing his oil on a regular basis?

 

Probably worth dropping the pan to check it out.

 

Sounds like you may have a blocked oil pump pick up screen. Not changing oil regularly will cause oil to sluge.

 

That's how you destroy an engine and end up spending 5K for a new one.
I know this first hand.

 

Yea I'm pretty sure I jacked it up good this time. Its parked in the yard now and should make a lovely yard ornament for the rest of the year. Not 100% sure what snapped or broke but it has a faint knock until you rev it a few time then the clanging and banging kick in. Since its just gonna sit for a while anyway I recorded the noise yesterday after work to send to a friend...........

Truck knocking - YouTube

 

That's identical to the sound mine made. Spun Main Bearing was the verdict. That was not a good day for me.
Ended up buying a re-man 5.7 for it from Marshall Engines out of Nebraska and had it
installed at a reputable garage. 3 yr 100,000 mile warranty.

 

If its just the main bearing and not a rod bearing you might be able to do a bottom end overhaul. I spun a rod bearing last summer and it was worse than what you have.

 

I'm hoping it isn't to bad. I did an engine swap on my 97 ram 1500 about 5 years ago and really enjoyed it but just don't have the time anymore to break the hemi down and rebuild it. I've got a call in to a mechanic who can hopefully break it down and honestly tell me what all needs to be replaced. Depending on what he finds will be the decision maker on whether I drop a crate motor in it. Its a beautiful truck so I hate to let it sit. Hopefully I can get it back on the road and sell it to someone who can appreciate it. I always wanted a diesel truck and with the miles I'm driving for work now there has never been a better justification to own one then now.