new guy with questions

[no name]

Hey guys got a question. I apologize if I have missed this somewhere, but I did look. I just purchased a used 04 Ram 4x4 with the 5.7 hemi. I had the truck for about a week when I noticed a white sludge and condensation on the air filter. Called the dealership where I bought it, they told me bring it in. I then noticed every once in awhile it blew white or grey smoke when started. Did it a total of about 3 or 4 times. After doing a little research I figured it was a head gasket. Took it in and they said the pcv valve looked like it had never been changed. the truck has 100k miles on it. They replaced the pcv valve and the air filter. The truck runs a little better now, but still a little water and a small amount of white sludge still coming out of the breather tube onto the air filter. What do you guys think? If that pcv valve has been bad for a long time is it going to take a while before all that gunk stops coming out or do I have a bigger issue. Thanks

 

[AWE Daniel]

EGR maybe. Ive never heard of white sludge on the filter. Welcome to the site also.

 

[ramhunter9]

White sludge on oil cap = head . Not sure on air intake . But it does have a breather connected to the air box .

Welcome to RF also

Where in Illinois you from ? IP address says Indiana ?

 

[AWE Daniel]

The breather comes from the egr valve thats why i said that.

 

[ramhunter9]

You and your fancy EGR's glad I DONT HAVE THEM

 

[no name]

Thanks guys. I live just across the state line from Terre Haute, IN. How big of a fix is the egr. I have heard of blocking them on my diesel, wrong site for the diesel truck I have so I better not mention it. I will say it is not a Powerstroke though. Is the egr something a guy could do with limited mechanical skills. I am pretty handy but not when it comes to engines.

 

[03MopaRamman]

A good Gunk Engine Flush would help to get most of the Condensation White Goo outta there. I don't have an EGR, Thankfully but have changed PCV and MAP sensor which both operate through the Intake.

And welcome to RF BTW.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

This sounds to me like the truck is being used for short trips and not being run long enough to get all the startup condensation removed. How does the oil look? Do you have at least a 180 thermostat? Are you losing coolant? Engines need to run at temperature long enough to remove all the moisture that is built up from cold starts.

 

[AWE Daniel]

Changing it is really easy. Ill get you a link when i get home. The part costs around 40$ i think. Dont quote me on that though.

 

[ramhunter9]

This sounds to me like the truck is being used for short trips and not being run long enough to get all the startup condensation removed. How does the oil look? Do you have at least a 180 thermostat? Are you losing coolant? Engines need to run at temperature long enough to remove all the moisture that is built up from cold starts.

Yes and also look at your exhaust . Does it have more than normal rust on it ?
If it does that is a sign of moisture sitting in it . Sounds like the truck never seen 100 miles at one time . Get out there and run the **** out of it . Next oil change throw some good synthetic oils in her and some sea foam in the crank and fuel . Replace the EGR (easy job) and while you are at it clean the TB .

 

[ramhunter9]

Also . EGR easy install right side of block 2 bolts . Unscrew and put new on . Done

 

[no name]

alright thanks guys. Don't really know much about the truck. Only had it a couple weeks.Just glad to hear it doesn't sound like a serious problem. I only drive it about 30 miles round trip to work and back. The exhuast looks fairly new. The dealership changed the oil before I bought it. I called the previous owner he said the only issue he had with it was it was leaking oil. The dealer ship put a new seal oil on and a new oil pan. How do you flush all the gunk out? I plan on changing plugs and running some fuel system cleaner that a buddy has, he runs a garage and said he had just what I needed. It also helps he has almost the exact same truck I do. He has alot more miles on his than is on mine so I figure he has done something right. I assume most of these jobs are in the DIY section. Is Sea Foam in the oil of a high mileage truck a real good idea? Almost afraid to put it in the fuel system too.

 

[ramhunter9]

These trucks will last along time with proper care . Good luck keep us posted

 

[AWE Daniel]

The egr is on the left if your standing in front of the truck. Same side as the airbox.

 

[ramhunter9]

ya right side if you are sitting in the seat looking out .. next to air box .

 

[AWE Daniel]

Here i stole this from another site:




EGR valve going bad? Don't worry its a common problem with these trucks, and replacing it is easy...with my help you can/will do it.

Before you start, make sure you get the gasket with you new EGR valve, i think my total bill for valve and gasketwas like $70 or so at the dealership, which is where you will most likely have to purchase a new one. I checked 4 different auto parts stores and none of them had any on hand, and some can't even get a new one in. If you dont get a new gasket, and some may disagree with me on this, but you CAN clean up the old one and use it, although id reccomend trying to get your hands on a new gasket. Save the time and go to your local dealership for all the correct parts!

THUMBNAIL PICS ATTACHED BELOW, FOLLOW STEPS ACCORDINGLY

Step #1, Locate the EGR Valve


The EGR valve is located on the driver side of the airbox below the alternator. Its location is indicated by the red circle. You will be looking at the TOP of the EGR

Step #2, Remove the electrical plug and the bolts that hold the EGR in place, watch your knuckles and take your time!!:

Replace with the new EGR valve. Also make sure if your check engine light is on that you to go to any autoparts store and borrow a code reader. It's free and will allow you to clear any codes thrown and get rid of that annoying check engine light now that you have your new EGR valve.

 

[no name]

Thanks. Now I have a new problem. Cutting wood today in the blizzard. Got the truck loaded and headed out of the woods. Didn't even make it to the paved road when the check engine light came on. Done a quick check of everything, didn't find a thing. Got home got the wood stacked and started to look at everything. The oil was about 3 quarts low. I can not find a leak anywhere. Just a little white sludge on the inside of oil fill cap. Starting to wonder if I should make the dealership take this truck back.

 

[ramhunter9]

I would , that white sludge under the cap means allot of moisture in the oil . Heads ? maybe bit if you just bought it I would take it back

 

[no name]

Yeah just bought it. The Monday before Thanksgiving. Really like the truck but I can't afford to have a payment and garage bill. Even if they would fix it and make it right. What else is going to go wrong with it.

 

[ramhunter9]

Sounds like you got a lemon of some sort . These trucks are pretty stout with reg maintenance. Sounds like yours was neglected at one point .

What did you pay for it if I can ask ?