Need suggestions - lifters, cam, new engine, etc.

[Kap1]

It's actually doesn't sound like a bad idea to get the entire new motor with warranty for $2k more rather than rebuilding the existing one.

Although replacing lifters and cam on a hemi is a very common procedure which was mentioned hundreds of times on this forum. As long as there's not metal parts flying around inside the engine, it should be just fine. Once torn apart, mechanic can tell you how bad the cam is worn (exactly how much metal shavings etc are in the engine ) and then you can confirm your decision whether you want to replace the entire motor or just the cam and lifters.

Other risk is that maybe you'll need something else fixed in addition to cam .. As my engine needed a whole new head replaced due to leak.... Same air fuel imbalance code as you're having .

Just my logical opinion, and I'm not that knowledgeable with car stuff and engine .

 

[huntergreen]

I would talk to Matt at Moe's and see what he suggests.

 

[lj_dodge]

$4500 for one head pulled on a 130k mile motor or $2k more for a brand new motor with warranty......hmmmm.

Im sure they have the truck block also, you'd have to contact them

Agreed, but the engine linked is the wrong one

 

[lj_dodge]

I have reached out to Moe's but haven't heard back yet

 

[mondo]

Agreed, but the engine linked is the wrong one

Good luck with your search....

 

[lj_dodge]

Wanted to let everyone know what I've decided to do, just in case anyone's interested

The truck still runs just fine at the moment. If I really get on the gas (floor it at highway speeds), after a few seconds it SOMETIMES starts misfiring, but that's rare. Otherwise there's a CEL that's perpetually on, but most of the time it sounds like it's running fine.

Consensus seems to be that at some point I need to either rebuild the engine I have, get a new (reman) engine, or do extensive work on the top end (cam, lifters, etc).

Initially I had planned to just do the work now and be done with it, but I've changed my mind - the truck runs and drives fine. Gas mileage is exactly the same as it has been (not a noticeable difference) so for now i'm going to keep driving it. I figure I can't do more damage than is already done, and if one day it doesn't start, or there's another problem that puts myself or the safety of others at risk, then i'll get it done then.

That gives me some time to save up to have the work done RIGHT. Should be able to get it all done by end of year.

Thank you all for your responses

 

[TXCOMT]

Smart call, OP...glad your rig's still running well.

TXCOMT

 

[indept]

I would plan for the replacement. The longer you drive it the more metal shavings are circulating around so you don't just want to fix the top end. Good luck.

 

[Wild one]

Wanted to let everyone know what I've decided to do, just in case anyone's interested

The truck still runs just fine at the moment. If I really get on the gas (floor it at highway speeds), after a few seconds it SOMETIMES starts misfiring, but that's rare. Otherwise there's a CEL that's perpetually on, but most of the time it sounds like it's running fine.

Consensus seems to be that at some point I need to either rebuild the engine I have, get a new (reman) engine, or do extensive work on the top end (cam, lifters, etc).

Initially I had planned to just do the work now and be done with it, but I've changed my mind - the truck runs and drives fine. Gas mileage is exactly the same as it has been (not a noticeable difference) so for now i'm going to keep driving it. I figure I can't do more damage than is already done, and if one day it doesn't start, or there's another problem that puts myself or the safety of others at risk, then i'll get it done then.

That gives me some time to save up to have the work done RIGHT. Should be able to get it all done by end of year.

Thank you all for your responses

Take a sample of your oil and send it out for analysis,that'll give you an idea of what's floating around in your oilpan for metal shavings etc.

 

[lj_dodge]

Will do. However the more people I've spoken to the more certain I am that I need to just do the full reman/rebuilt engine, not just the heads etc. Its an engine with almost 140k miles on it, so thinking it's a better investment (and a warranty!) to do the full engine.