First, thanks for an incredibly informative and inspiring site! Lots of good information from good folks offering help and advice.
My story is rather long. Sorry for that. It begins with the purchase of my 2001Dakota 4.7L 2wd. Body and interior are perfect. Engine was clean top to bottom. 98,000 miles. Dealer took it in as a trade and I got it for $500 below Kelly Blue Book, no warranty. Two days after purchase the oil pressure went to zero. Dealer would "do me a favor" and repair it at no cost. They dropped the oil pan and unplugged the pickup tube. They "found" no damage. I got it home and immediately flushed and refilled the oil and filter. I considered myself lucky.
Now three months later it begins to overheat. I did the usual "shadetree mechanic" fixes; new pump, thermostat, coolant flush-n-fill-n-burp. Learned in here about the Blok Test. Results were positive. Resigned myself to a head gasket replacement.
Imagine my surprise and horror when I removed the valve covers. Then the timing cover. The pictures say it all.
Needless to say I will be doing a complete rebuild, IF ya'll think it is not too far gone. Anyone know of a good engine shop here in Memphis, TN that I can use to check my engine and get a good hot tank cleaning? I will get it rebuilt as time and funds allow. If this is a good project to post in here I will be glad to update my progress as I know I will be needing advice from you fine, smart folks from time to time. This will be a 100% stock rebuild, 100% done by me. This old guy just wants a dependable ride!
A few lead-in questions:
1. What could cause this to happen?
2. Replace or re-use rings, bearings, gaskets?
3. What internal parts need to be replaced as a preventative step (new oil pump, timing chains, etc)
Thanks for your help!
Jim
My story is rather long. Sorry for that. It begins with the purchase of my 2001Dakota 4.7L 2wd. Body and interior are perfect. Engine was clean top to bottom. 98,000 miles. Dealer took it in as a trade and I got it for $500 below Kelly Blue Book, no warranty. Two days after purchase the oil pressure went to zero. Dealer would "do me a favor" and repair it at no cost. They dropped the oil pan and unplugged the pickup tube. They "found" no damage. I got it home and immediately flushed and refilled the oil and filter. I considered myself lucky.
Now three months later it begins to overheat. I did the usual "shadetree mechanic" fixes; new pump, thermostat, coolant flush-n-fill-n-burp. Learned in here about the Blok Test. Results were positive. Resigned myself to a head gasket replacement.
Imagine my surprise and horror when I removed the valve covers. Then the timing cover. The pictures say it all.
Needless to say I will be doing a complete rebuild, IF ya'll think it is not too far gone. Anyone know of a good engine shop here in Memphis, TN that I can use to check my engine and get a good hot tank cleaning? I will get it rebuilt as time and funds allow. If this is a good project to post in here I will be glad to update my progress as I know I will be needing advice from you fine, smart folks from time to time. This will be a 100% stock rebuild, 100% done by me. This old guy just wants a dependable ride!
A few lead-in questions:
1. What could cause this to happen?
2. Replace or re-use rings, bearings, gaskets?
3. What internal parts need to be replaced as a preventative step (new oil pump, timing chains, etc)
Thanks for your help!
Jim
