Tech Question
chris cunningham, south amboy, NJ, 1987, dodge power ram 318
I bought an 87 Power Ram 4×4 318 a few months ago from a guy who put a junkyard motor in it. It smoked from day one. I figured bad heads and started tearing it down only to find the intake completely clogged with carbon, it was so bad it was actually pushing the heat riser plate away from the bottom of the intake. Anyway, I cleaned all that poop out, reassembled it and it runs a lot better, still smokes a bit, but then I lost all oil pressure. I changed the oil and filter, and the pressure shot right up again, But now only after a day of driving the pressure shoots almost all the way down when I come to a light in drive (it’s an auto trans), but if I put it in neutral, it goes back up, sometimes after a good revving.
I just need some advice on where to start looking because this is my only transportation now and I don’t want to grenade this engine before I can save up for a new one.
Thanks for any help.
Chris, drop the pan. With that kind of junk engine, most likely the pickup screen is nearly 100% plugged with hardened sludge resembling coal.
If you’re lazy, try a can of “sludge flush” or even 2 qts of Kerosene in the oil, hold at fast idle for 15-20 mins. (as long as there is SOME pressure).Then change oil.
If it looks clean in there, it could also be just super-worn bearings and oil pump. You can do a driveway bearing and pump swap. Or use SAE40 oil and2 cans of STP. But ONLY do this if the bottom end looks pretty clean.
If there’s tons of blow by, it may run a bit better with the PCV disconnected and 2 large valve cover breathers…less contamination of the intake charge.Wear a gas mask when driving, however, and always be sure there’s nothing but Prius’ behind you.
Rick
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