Should I be concerned?

[Stark_Ent9802]

Hey Guys. . I'm thinking of buying this 2003 2500 with 53k on it. I have drove and it has felt like you would expect a 03 with 50k on it- smooth, tight, ect. . But the thing that has me concerned is the engine apperance. As you will see in the pictures below there is are hints of oil/or diesel fuel around the injector lines, head bolts, and Valve cover. Is this a red flag saying " Don't buy the truck" or should I not think to much of it and buy the truck and steam clean the engine and see if it becomes a major deal? What do you all think?

ps. . sorry the pics are so big. . maybe a mod has the power to resize them



#ad


#ad


#ad


#ad


#ad

 

[Cattletrkr]

Dad's '03 looks a lot like that. Maybe not quite as wet, but close. He bought it with 30K on the odo and it now has 120K. It's never been an issue even though I don't like it.

 

[JJPage]

The seepage around the valve cover and rocker box gaskets/o-rings are pretty much normal, the cross tubes look a little excessive? I would clean it up and then monitor it.



I was hoping for a picture of the fuse box cover, evidence of velcro? Pressure/fueling box?



The truck looks very straight, how many $$$ are being asked for it?

 

[rbattelle]

The seepage around the valve cover and rocker box gaskets/o-rings are pretty much normal, the cross tubes look a little excessive?

I agree. The seepage at the exhaust side of the head looks basically like mine (although that's a little bit more than mine).



But I really don't like the looks of the intake side! That looks very very bad to me.



So the question is, what might cause all that oil (and fuel?) to accumulate there?



Could be a leaky rocker box gasket, which is a piece of cake to replace.

Could be a leaking injector fuel line (much harder and more expensive to repair).



Looks a little like the injector fuel lines might be leaking at the connection where they meet the rocker box cover (is that fresh wet fuel I see there?). That could mean they were removed for injector work at one time and not properly reinstalled.



Check the oil and see if it smells like diesel. And as suggested, look for evidence of a fuel box.



If it were me, I'd want to get the engine cleaned before purchase, then take it on a test drive for a bit and see if fresh fuel and/or oil appears.



That is a TON of sludge accumulated back near the rail!



Ryan

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

Thanks guys i aprreciate the opinions greatly. I think i am going to ask that the dealer clean the engine then i will ask to drive the truck for a weekend and monitor that area. and then i will make my decision

 

[rbattelle]

Do I see cab clearance lights on this truck? If so, you might want to check whether those were there as a factory option, or if the previous owner added them. If they were added, check to see that they're properly aligned, and that they don't leak. I might even pull one of them off (if they're not factory installed) and check to see whether the holes that were drilled are rusting.

Also note the fuel streaks down from the fuel fill door.

This truck smells a little neglected...

Ryan

 

[MMeier]

Looks like this truck has not ever seen a engine bay clean up. Also, I would have the dealer... or do it yourself, tighten up on the pipe plugs on the exhaust side of the head, ot top, looks like some coolant has been seeping, common on a 3rd gen.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

A. J. ,

Unless the truck's just been REALLY run ragged, I wouldn't be too concerned about what the pictures show. I agree with others for having the dealer steam-clean the engine, then having you drive it for as long as the dealer will let you to see what then leaks.

My 03's been very reliable over its 87000 miles, but there are a few things you should look for, those being:

1. U-joints. I replaced two in the rear shaft and one in the front.

2. On the engine-side of the radiator, take a close look to see if the fan electrical connector is rubbing the radiator itself. Mine was, and I moved it away a little distance by wedging a piece of split fuel hose between the connector and the radiator.

3. Top alternator bracket for cracking. Mine was replaced under warranty.

4. TSB done to replace the power steering pressure line.



I'm sure others can chime in too, but those are the things that come to mind. That 03 should be fine with only 50000 miles on it, unless it was abused.



Good luck!



Steve

 

[Johnstra]

The oil spooge on the intake side could be from a sloppy oil change. Some people really don't give a rip how much they spill when they fill. Remove the plastic over the the valve cover (4 10 mm bolts) and see if there's oil on top of the valve cover.

-john

 

[Cattletrkr]

Also note the fuel streaks down from the fuel fill door.

This truck smells a little neglected...

Ryan

Looks like run-out from an automatic carwash.

 

[MickeyMiller]

50K on an '03 is low milage, I am close to 100K on my '03... . I think the sludge accumulation is more a factor of time than milage. I agree, steam clean the engine and look of sepage (Seapage? Seepage?)... I think it looks like a good prospect! BTW... the lift pump will die, so head it off and get a replacemant or take your chances with the 100K warrantee'd internal lift pump.



Just a biased observation, but the late '03/early '04 HO's are the 'pick of the litter' of the 3rd Gen 5. 9s.

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

Thanks a lot guys... I contacted the dealer today and they said they would have the engine washed before the weekend, and they said if i wanted to they would loan the truck for the weekend. Thanks again ill let ya know how i make out.



Want to see more pics of the truck?...

http://www.middletowntoyota.com/profile.asp?VIN=3D7KU28613G799200&xMake=&FilterMake=0

 

[Semicrazy]

At 174K on my 03, my exhaust side looks the same, but my intake side looks much better than this truck. I hope the weekend test works out for you, I always liked that blue.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Which trans. 47 or 48?

 

[DPKetchum]

If it had been detailed you'd never see that stuff. I clean mine but friends of mine don't and thats what theirs look like. Tighten the coolant plugs on pass. side of head,clean the motor real good and put a rocker box gasket on it. Be good to go.

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

Which trans. 47 or 48?

not sure

 

[JCleary]

A real easy way to tell would be to look at the label on the driver's side of the valve cover. If it's 305 hp then it's definitely a 48RE. If it's a 250 hp then it may be either...



I miss my '03. It was built much better than my '07, and both came from Mexico.

 

[scootergmc]

That leakage isn't normal. Be glad they didn't clean it or you'd have never known. I'd walk away, but that's just me. I think you could find another truck.

 

[DPKetchum]

Well PARDON me! They ALL at least all the ones I've seen leak,weep. seep at the rocker box. Many posts about such. Takes about 40 minutes to replace and covered under the ENGINE not powertrain warranty for 7/100. Had mine replaced last year but buddies of mine said it didn't bother them. Theirs look the same as the one pictured. You can and I would check the HOURS on the truck.

 

[rbattelle]

You can and I would check the HOURS on the truck.

Good idea. I second it.



Ryan