I was on my was home from work one day runnin about 85 mph. I got off the highway and heard the engine knocking. I knew I might have been a little low on oil since I had just bought the oil and filter to do my oil change the next weekend. Anyway, I checked the dipstick and added oil. I was 6 quarts low. ( I later found out that the oil filter had come loose and puked out the oil) I was hoping the knock would clear up, but it didn't. I am still driving it, just takin it easy. I have added 1500 miles and the knock does not sound to be getting worse, but I do have to fix asap. I am assuming it is a rod bearing and I looked at the pan today and it appears that I MAY be able to do the work with the engine still in the truck...(I hope) Any help, tips, ideas appreciated.

 

All I know is that you will most likely have to lift the engine to get the pan off. It is possible, but this will limit you to doing the work on the ground to enable the engine hoist to operate....
That is the route I would try. Unless you can think of a way to lift the engine from underneath, and then you can do the job on a lift.
Take a run by a Cummins shop or a Dodge dealer and see if you can get a technician to share a few of their secrets....

 

I am assuming by how thin the oil pan is..that the crank does not protrude below the actual block. So by the way I see it, I may only have to lift the engine a few inches to get the clearance needed to pull the pan. Working on the ground is fine with me as long as I can get the job done.

 

Only 6 qts low. Still had 4-5 qts to circulate. Noise has not gotten worse in 1500 miles. Rods generally get worse. Galled piston might not get worse. Good luck.

 

Could also be a broken tappet. Just before I went through all of the hell with old blue, I was travelling down highway and same thing occurred. While in the shop getting a new ECM installed, the tech there said that the knock in my engine was a broken tappet. Still have to pull the engine to remove/replace it.

Good luck!!

 

Your question is "do I have to fix it asap?" If in fact it is a rod bearing, it may be just the bearing.... run it a little longer and you may have the privlidge of replacing the crank as well... That is going to leave a mark for sure.

 

So I talk to my buddy today and he says that I will have to pull the crank and have it turned. So if this is the case I guess I better just yank the engine. THIS SUX

And what and where is a tappet and how do you find out if thats the prob. ? Also, this engine now has 204,000miles on it....so, while I have it out, what else should I take care of without breaking the bank here.