I remember I asked this question before and the advise was to buy another one and replace, which is fine but what if I want to rebuild it, anyone have a step by step manual or have done this on a 6bt or should I just follow the normal procedure replacing all the obvious? Mine does not need it and I believe it wont for a long long time yet I'd like to know if anyone have done this and their feedback.

Thank You.

 

54 views and not a single reply? Come on guys any home mechanics that want to give advice? or should I to assume most here only know how to turn up the fuel and go

 

I've thought about that before. If a fella puts 3k,4k or even 5k or more on his truck, I would think you would get pretty attached to it. I wonder if you could get a set of oversized rings, file to fit and shoot for another 100k or 2?

 

I would first see what parts are available. Really any engine can be rebuilt, it comes down to what is the cost, versus the benefit. Can you buy a used but low mileage engine cheaper then a proper rebuild?

I have not done a cummins yet but have done a few Detriots

 

I've read a few times before where people say that after X00,000 miles they can still see the cross hatching. If that is the case then it would be worth a try to slap in rings and bearings, freshen up the head and see what happens.

JP.

 

that's what I was thinking. If you can still see the cross hatch it won't need to be bored out. Just some new bearings and rings and whatnot would do the trick.

 

On the other hand, if you can still see the crosshatching, the rings are probably still good Mark On a side note, besides mathmatics, how do they check compression on a diesel? Put a gauge into the injector hole maybe?

 

435000+ km and i can still clearly see crosshatches!!! honestly i was shocked when i pulled the head!!!
i would never pay to have somone do a basic rebuild on such a simple engine such as the cummins!!!!
but mine is still pullin hard so i havent had the chance to do a build up yet!!!
one day mabey!!
edit: scrap the mabey!!! one day for sure!!!

 

Cummins sells a rebuild manual, and the procedures and specs are all in the Dodge FSM. You can get all the parts needed from Cummins.

Usually the only reason these engines need to be completely rebuilt in pickup truck service is because somebody got them hot and scuffed #5 or #6. Otherwise, a fresh set of bearings and maybe rings, and put it back together and go another 500k.

 

I was actually thinking that exact thing after I posted. I just was too lazy to navigate back to DTR, find the thread and edit my post

 

Now this is much better, thank You. Mine is at 220k and the oil report came back with good results then I resealed My IP then I had a shop look at it and the guy said the ip was sound so I put it back and enjoy. I like the way it is now and the power is all I need, but is good to know where to go should something unexpected occur. Mine does not know what hot is, once I got it up to 1200f for about 2 seconds and most times it is right around 900f when pulling something.
Wanna do You know if they have a kit to freshen up an engine instead a complete rebuild at the C dealer.

 

Yeah, you can buy just the pieces you need. If you want to freshen it up at 400k, get a complete gasket set and a set of bearings.

 

I think the reason they say buy a used eng. is that you can get them for around 1500 to 2000. But to do a overhaul will run around 6000 but it can be done your choice.

 

My theory on this is like my philosophy on everything else; always have a back-up/escape route.


I like to keep a spare engine or three around for just such occassions.


Way back in my younger days, I was often being forced into quick, and not often the wisest decisions, just because I made my living out of the only vehicle I had; the truck that I pulled the trailers with was the only one I had to bring me home or take me to the parts store.

When things went wrong, often it cost me dearly to get rolling quick, mainly because I lacked the foresight to be prepared.


Now, I have found it is actually cheaper to have several trucks and plenty of extra parts/components, both major and minor.



That being said, my advice is to procure at least one entire engine, just like the one you already have.

Ascertain that this engine is ready to drop in and go on a moments notice; maybe not rebuilt, but plenty good enough to be called upon to get you rolling again.


Then, buy a second, or many more, identical engines, choose one and completely/thoroughly rebuild it to better than new condition, doing this work as time/money allows, and having the discipline to accomplish it way ahead of the day when the engine will be needed.


I have learned that it is actually cheaper to have plenty, than to just have that that is required for the present moment.


That's the way I roll and it works best for me than any of my previous plans.

 

show me a GOOD 215 hp 5.9 for 1500. bought a supposedly good 180 one and compression was down 100 psi on all cylinders and it SUPPOSEDLY had only 93k on it.