I bought it as-is from a wrecked vehicle auction site. The yard I picked it up from didn't care why it didn't run, and I thought it would be more easily fixed. I will pist pictures as soon as I "borrow" someone's camera.....

 

All I can find on holes trough piston tops is on smaller engines, and they blame it on running lean. What could have caused mine?

 

most likely .. a clogged fuel injector. or dead injector. leaned out that cylinder.. just like small engines..

instead of all cylinders.. just one.. carb vers.. injection.

and YES, they know something was wrong .. before it happened.

 

Grrrr.... My brother lent me his camcorder, but he doesn't have the data plug. I have all the pics on it but can't retrieve them.
I found a ton of metal shards in the oil pan and what seems to be a significant bulge. I just got it straightened out somewhat. This motor will test everything I know about internal combustion....

 

You likely require a complete rebuild.... you should just beef up that V10 (unless the cylinders are gouged)

I am betting You're going to need a new Crankshaft most likely as well, as I'd bet that you spun a bearing or two.

Oil pump would also be #1 on my list of rebuild parts.... then Pistons, Rods, performance bearings... Hell you might as well bore .020" over and go all out since you got the truck so cheap.

You might as well build yourself something as close to the SRT-10 Ram Motor as you can....

 

Yup, the cylinders are getting bored (probably .030 over) and I must order a re-manufactured crank. Not much out there for these motors, though. I want to keep my torque because this will be a towing rig. I am pursuing a camshaft, though. Any thoughts?

 

http://www.jegs.com/c/Engines-Compon...763+4294965200

some motors to choose from if you don't want to bother with upgrading the V10 (unless you pick up the SRT-10 Crate Motor they sell there...)


Most of the V10 Rebuilds built for performance are generally more Cutom Fabricated.... so you might be better off swapping to a V8 and get some real benefits and save yourself some headaches...

 

I know that it's not "economical" to rebuild it, but this is a rare truck. Less than 1% of trucks had the v10, and mine came with a factory snow plow option. This is worth keeping it like it is, even if I don't drive it everyday (but I plan on it anyway).

 

Okay, time for pics!!

The bare block:


The offending piston:




The shards in the oil pan:


The seized front bearing:


The plugged front oil galley:

 

I don't think any of us were thinking you were going with the V-10 because of a rarity issue. The truck isn't a collectors item, and never will be. It's not a SRT/10. It's just a workhorse V-10. If you want to go through the headaches of finding obsolete parts just because only 1% of Dodge trucks came with the 10, then go for it. But don't think you will ever get the money back on the mint you are going to spend rebuilding it!! And, don't forget, you don't know what other accessories are going to need to be replaced along with the engine build!!!! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the updates from you, and can't wait to hear when you get it fired up!! Just don't get upside down!!