Got an 04 with an engine with a good knock to it. Checked things over, and most people that have looked at/listened to it feel it has a rod out. Oil filter is full of metal, so definitely some serious internal issues.

Looking for some advice/recommendations on how to handle this.

Buy a re-man long block, salvage motor, rebuild this one, etc.

Where to purchase, who knows how to build a Cummins right, etc.


Thanks for any info or advice, I appreciate it!

Matt

 

Rebuild it so you know what you got. Salvage motors can be questionable and expensive. Re-mans are too expensive. Be ready to do injectors at the same time.

 

Spooler's right. Rebuild it and you know what you have. Build it to handle a little more than you plan to do with it.

 

I have installed a few low milage used motors and have always had good luck with them.

If buying privately you need to see it running. If buying from a wrecker ask if it was run before pulled, if so what are the specs and warranty. Most wreckers now run an engine before pulling it, record the oil pressure and often will do a compression check(gas motors). These guys charge a few more dollars but you know you are getting a good motor and its still about half the cost of a reman.

DON'T but a motor that was in a hard front end collision. If the crank took a hit it can push it back and damage the thrust bearings. Motor will run fine for about 5000miles and then slowly pack it in.

I will usually put in a new rear main seal and oil pan gasket while its out. Also maybe a front gasket/seal if it shows any signs of weeping.

 

I agree with the rebuilt statements, but I cannot find anyone local who people seem to have any confidence in their ability to machine the parts. I have been quoted $10k and higher for the rebuild, if I can find someone to do the machine work. That is no turbo or injectors. Due to the metal in the oil, I have been told the turbo and oil cooler have to be replaced as well. My local guys will only build to stock, no improvements period - some whining about liability or some crap.

Do you folks know anyone in MN or the Dakotas that can be trusted to do the machining/rebuild or someone you would recommend??

Do you have any good thoughts on where to find a good used engine with lower miles??

Thanks for the advice, I just cannot get any decent answers from my local mechanics or salvage yards.

Thanks

Matt

 

Not sure if it will help and Im not affiliated with them, but Rapid Diesel in Rapid City has always been good to me. They also are an authorized Bosch reman center. Search on google for the number and see if they could recommend someone in the area.

Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk

 

Geez! I think you can get a long block from Cummins for $10K!

 

Put A 12V IN IT.

 

I have a 94 12 valve that i could build and put in it, but everyone I talk to around here says that it is next to impossible to make it work. If there are decent ways to make that work, I would sure consider doing that.

 

I would think the hardest part would be getting the tranny to shift. I dont really know enough about the newer trucks. I have ideas of putting the 12v out of my 94 in this 3rd gen when its engine takes a crap. I would really rather have that engine in it then whats in it now. That 12v is a million mile engine but this 3rd gen engine is questionable.

 

Just an update on this situation. So the air filter was sucked half way between the box and turbo. There was literally GRAVEL in the intake when we dismantled it. The turbo looks like its been sandblasted. The internal components show lots of wear. There was a turned rod bearing and the cam shaft was sharp enough you could shave with it. Started pricing crankshaft cam shaft, other parts and labor, and it looked like I was going to have 10k plus in a rebuild.

I ended up buying an 06 with 75k on it for high 5k from a local reputable auto recycler.

Few questions:

Besides water pump, thermostat, pan gasket and rear main seal, any recommendations on what I should replaced before installation??

Need to replace intercooler as it has to be plumb full of sand/gravel (gravel found in intake had to go through intercooler right?). Any recommendations here?? Local dealer says OEM is no longer available?? Looking at aftermarket, seems like you can spend thousands. Any recommendations or thoughts??

Thanks for the help, greatly appreciate it!!

I do have a machineable block, a head that is in great shape and 5 rods that are useable it anyone is interested.

Thanks


Matt

 

If the truck is an early 2004 then There are some differences that you should look into to make sure it will work ok.

Use the 2006 turbo it's a better design but will need a slight mod.

You may also want to consider new front crank and cover seals.

If it's a stick and new clutch. If an auto consider a better torque convertor. Makes a big difference

 

In 2004 there were 3 different 5.9L Cummins available in Dodge trucks.
The 250HP California, the 305HP and the 2004.5 325HP.

Which type is your original engine?


As Clay mentioned, there are few minor but critical changes to the engines.

1. Make sure the injector tips match the piston bowls.

2. Use the larger 2006 HE351 turbo even if you have the 250HP 305HP engine. A few mods will be required.


The 250HP and 305HP had less reliable heads than the 2004.5 and newer engines but the 250 and 305HP had the much better piston design.

 

My vehicle is an 04.5 as far as I can tell, built in June 2004. The shop that is doing the swap for me checked out the differences and said they could be easily swapped.. I bought the 06 motor complete, with turbo, injectors and pump so our plan is to leave those together drop it in and see how it runs. The old turbo is unuseable unless I have it rebuilt. I am having trouble locating a replacement intercooler that is good yet affordable.

Thanks

Matt

 

Yes, if your truck was built in June 2004 that means it's a 2004.5 with the 325HP engine.
This means the 2006 engine will be a simple swap.

The only differences I can think of is the valve cover configuration and injector wiring.
Cummins made a change in 2006, but the 2004.5 valve cover and injector wiring will easily swap over to the 2006 engine.