Update on the issue (Thanks everyone for the replies), as I still am seeing an issue with stalling and odd idling.

Still seeing some idle issues and the stalling continues after cleaning throttle body and checking coolant at the radiator cap. Have not rented the block tester yet. Truck is feeling a little better/

But it was stalling before the throttle body clean/coolant check, and then stalled after. The "Check Gauges" light goes on, but I can turn the truck off, turn it back on, and then drive away no problem. I've been driving short distances the last few months (5 miles each way, twice a day).


Hello,

Looking to see if anyone has had success with replacing the head gasket at this mileage and having the truck last a few more years.

I've got a 2006 Ram 1500 Hemi 5.7L with 140k miles that has been idling weird and have also been smelling oil burning and am seeing my oil consumption trend higher (add about a quart every 1-2 months). Also, in the last oil change the mechanic said he was pretty sure there is a head gasket blown as he saw some water droplets on the oil cap.

Anyway, is this a good idea based on other's experiences with similar issues and similar trucks?

I really don't want to buy a new truck and was hoping to get this truck to last at least 200k miles, which for me is another couple of years.

I've been quoted $1400-$2000 for the head gasket repair.

Thanks!
Mike

 

Fixing the head gasket isn't going to change oil consumption. Also, a bit of condensation under the oil fill cap isn't unusual. In fact, it's pretty normal. If the oil itself looks ok on the dipstick, I wouldn't spend the money fixing a problem you likely don't have.

Moving this to Third Gen Ram section for ya. Welcome to DF!

 

Thanks for the info. How about the idling issue? Sometimes it gets down to 100-200 RPMs, and while it doesn't feel like it is going to stall, the transmission does appear to slip when getting into the lower gears as I prepare to stop. I took it to a shop a few weeks ago and they said the RPMs on their computer showed it was running at 500 RPM at stop even though my dashboard shows 100-200.

 

Disconnect the battery, remove, and THOROUGHLY clean the throttle body, reinstall, hook the battery back up. Turn the key to On, (not start) count to ten, then start the engine. Let it relearn idle. Might take care of it.

 

I'd check to make sure it is a head gasket problem. Remove the radiator cap with the engine cold, then start the engine. If your coolant is bubbling at the radiator cap then head gasket is blown.
For the oil burning, what color smoke do you see coming out of tail pipe?

 

You can rent a block tester to test your head gasket, that way you know the deal for sure.


It basically sniffs the coolant for exhaust gases and changes color if detected, confirming a blown head gasket. You can rent the tool for free upon return. The blue solution is around six bucks. Just make sure you drain out some coolant before you start, so it doesn't get sucked in and give you a false positive.

 

I'd be a +1 on verifying that the head gasket is actually blown. If coolant is getting into the oil in large quantities, your oil will look like a chocolate shake. Some white goop on the underside of the oil filler cap just means you need to go on a few long drives to clear that out.

 

Thanks! Did that and truck does feel better, but still stalls. It only stalls once per day and its usually in the morning, about 5 minutes after driving. After that, its fine throughout the day on short or long trips.

Any idea?

 

How old are the O2 sensors?

 

Have not replaced the O2 Sensors. Looks like that is something I should do, and also replace the TPS?

While the check engine light isn't on, I did get some diagnostic codes: P0700 and P0733. Not sure if that helps focus in on the issue, but any insight would be helpful