CTD99,

I know that it may be a hard pill to swallow, but you may be better off just popping for the Cummins remaned short block. At least you know what your getting and I'm sure the warranty would be better than any boneyard motor.

You might even be lucky enough to get one that's not a "53" casting.

What is stopping you from reworking your block?

 

Thanks for all the input... I'm over the salvage yard idea. I requested a quote for the Cummins short block option which was $4200 plus cost of head and some other misc parts. Then I found a place selling reman'd long blocks for $4975 so I was going to go that route... then I found a guy selling complete NEW engines (omit starter, alternator, power steering pump, and I think the lift pump) for $6500. So I think I'm going to go with the new engine.

Had I known from the beginning that I would be replacing the engine or even tearing it down to the point it is now, I would have tackled the job in my driveway because technically I don't really have a physical need for the truck until next fall when desert season starts up again.

What's keeping me from reworking my current engine is the tiny little bits of piston that made their way into the oil and are now potentially scattered throughout the engine. At $92.50/hour, the cost for a complete teardown/cleaning/assembly of the engine wouldn't save me much, if anything, over the cost of a replacement.

I'll keep you updated.

Russ

 

Why not buy an engine brush kit and scrub the block yourself?

 

If you don't need it, have them pack everything up and tow it home. You cna work on it at your "leisure". You should be able to get the block hot-tanked to get any debris out of it. The hot-tank job will be cheap. This would also give you a chance to hunt down the parts, for the right price and/or quality, and you don't have to get bent over a barrel to get the thing fixed right away. It might end up costing the same, or a little less, but it definitely hurts less when you buy the parts a little at a time.
Maybe you can get Thumper 549 to set you up with some of his stainless(?) steel piston cooling jets too. I understand the stock ones are plastic.

Chris

 

I know this may sound silly, but I don't feel comfortable taking on this job because I didn't start it myself from the beginning. Since I've never been into the truck this deep before, I think I'd have a helluva time putting the truck together without first seeing how it came apart.

Like I said, it may be silly, but it's me. Also, I said earlier that there is no physical need for my truck at the moment, but I failed to mention there is a HUGE emotional need!!!

The $$$ hurts but I'll survive.

 

Well don't keep the secret to yourself, where did you find the engine? You never know when you might need one!

 

I don't know if the rules allow me to post this link, but I guess I'll find out soon enough...

http://www.harveysmotorworks.com

 

I don't see why not. Anyway it's easier to say you're sorry than to ask permission!

 

If it is one of the '99 engines make sure it does not have a number 53 block. Also if the picture is accurate, that is a commercial engine instead of a Dodge engine. That is a good thing....

 

Way ahead of you there... it's not Brazilian.

 

been seeing alot of short blocks for sale...right now there is a 00 24v short block for sale on TDR that looks to be in good shape for $500

or this 31,000 mile 02 HO truck motor for $3000...motor is in perfect condition ready to drop in miles are original come out of a wrecked truck hit in the rear