2004 Ram 2500 5.7 160k miles.
Just replaced springs and seals a month ago due to a broken valve spring. Then this happens today! I assume I had a slightly bent pushrod that had just enough room to slip. The piston hit the valve and pushed the guide and seal up into the head. Not sure the extent of damage. No crazy noise or anything and the valve didnt drop. What is my best course of action here? Those with more wisdom and experience, heads look to be $2k a Jasper engine $5000. Am I better off to pull the head and have it rebuilt? Chances of needing to replace piston? Should I rebuild entire motor? Truck is in spectacular condition and I don't want new payments. What is your recommendation for the most cost effective/practical solution. I will do the work myself.

Thank you fellas.





Bent valve and pushed guide up.

Broke the new valve spring.


Fantastic Monday

 

I would say its more likely the valve dropped for some reason other than a bent push rod. The new valve spring broke allowing retainers to come out ?? Valve drops and piston hits valve. ??? Bending push rod.
Anyways your going to need to pull head for closer examination of piston and cylinder bore

 

Very possible, I would have hoped the new valve springs would have taken a little more abuse than the 300 or so miles I put on the truck. You never know I guess...

 

Where did you source the valve springs?

 

Im having a hard time figuring out how the valve guide got pushed out. I still believe valve retainers came out for some reason. Possibly from broken valve spring ??Valve then dropped into combustion chamber. Got hit by piston and bent valve and stem seizing it up in the guide. Subsequent hits pushed the valve further into the head and the guide came out into rocker area. Im thinking your gonna have considerable piston damage ??

 

I am just not sure what would have caused the issue this time around in the first place. All torque specs followed. They are comp cam valve springs via summit.

I am assuming piston damage. I have quoted an Engine via Powertrain Products they seem to have a better reputation than Jasper and a long block is $3095 + $150 freight. 5 year unlimited mile warranty. Anyone have an opinion?

 

Many years ago I did this...providing cylinder is ok.
Replace 1 piston, connecting rod. New rings. And good used or rebuilt head. Drove great many years. Lol. Depends how much you want to spend I guess.

 

Have you contacted CompCams and talked to their tech dept? Perhaps they can shed some light...

I think I'd pull the head and have it checked out for cracks and damage, get it rebuilt if its ok. While the head is off check the top of the piston for a dent (damage). Doubt the connecting rod did anything, you could check it out... might be able to unbolt it from below and pull it out from the top and have it checked for straightness and any damage. Still would have to pull the pan to unbolt the rod, no real easy fix here.