'05 Budget Engine Rebuild

[Bromiley99]

So that last set of pictures show a white substance build up on #6 cylinder valves.
Anybody have a clue what that is?
This was the other cylinder that had broken rings.

Coolant leaking into that cylinder.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Coolant leaking into that cylinder.

I'll have to take a closer look at everything. I didn't see any cracks in the block, old gasket looks o.k.. I'll clean up the head and see what that looks like.
Thanks Bromiley99, didn't think of coolant.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Bromiley99 says the white buildup in #6 is coolant residue. Didn't think of that.
Didn't see any cracks in the block (w/ naked eye), gasket looked o.k. at a cursory glance. I'll take a closer look at the head...needed to replace the valve seals and lap the valves anyway.
Not sure if there's an inexpensive way of checking the head out other than checking for surface straightness. Don't have a diesel compression tester. And didn't want to pay for getting everything magnafluxed.

 

[Bromiley99]

The head is really the only potential problem. It’s definitely worth getting checked out off the top of my head I’m gonna say 75% of the heads I’ve pulled turned out to be cracked and needed replacement.

 

[bcbender]

if 75% cracked is the rule, Id definitely get it checked.. or save myself the time and effort or lapping, replacing valves, etc.. and just replace it. You already have this much time and money in the build, would not want to go back in due to a cracked head or bad injector damaging all your hard work.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Where do the heads typically crack? Is there a trend for model years? Or is it general by engine design.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

O.k., looks like I'll be having the head checked out.
This budget rebuild is turning out to be not-so-budget. I'm starting to think that at best I will be saving hundreds, not thousands, in relation to rebuilding this engine vs purchasing a long block.
Any body have idea how much a head check will cost? And, can anybody recommend a good shop to have it checked out in San Antonio TX?

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

One additional question to the two above. If the head is bad, and I have to buy a non cracked head, can I transfer the old valves and springs from my present head?

 

[Bromiley99]

I’m just speaking from personal experience, but exhaust valve seats seam to be where they usually crack, 24V seem worse than 12V. If your head is good and you get it resurfaced I would say $300-$400. If you need a new one I’ve always just bought a loaded head all new valves and seals installed ready to bolt up.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Just dropped the head off today. $370 to get it mag'd & milled. They will only mill it of course if it passes all other checks.
At least a week and a half before I know anything.

 

[BigPapa]

Good decision.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Machine shop called. Head is cracked.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

My phone is not the best camera, but if you look btwn the white marker lines there's a crack.
Here's where it gets weird. (1) Cracks are at intake valves. (2) Cracks are at cylinders that had all the rings in tact. (3) Cracks are not present at #6 where the coolant deposits were located.
I can't see any cracks in the block back at #6. I'll take an extra close look at the hd gskt which I didn't discard.
So now I'm needing a head, fully assembled. Shoulda got a long block!
Enough of that pity party nonsense.
If it were you what head would you get? I'm not talking racing or sled pulling, I'm asking, if you had to tow 16K lbs about 10 times s year for up to 800 miles and/or reliability and longevity was your main concern what assembled head would you buy? I'll even take advice on what head NOT to buy, but please justify the reply. Need a rock-solid, reliable engine.
Timeline is shot, but my requirement not to half-@$$ this engine build still stands.
Everybody's got an opinion so let's hear it.
Thanks in advance. Already glad I listened to the forum and didn't just slap this ting together.

 

[RollOver_Pete]

I Just finished an inframe on my 06.
360k miles, new BBI's 60k ago.
Low compression, lots of blow by . Broken rings #1,3,4,5,6. #1 had 2 broken rings.

 

[RollOver_Pete]

Pistons . connecting rods, crank and cam were fine. New turbo, rebuild kit, oil pump, water pump, fan hub, idler pully, fan clutch, clutch fork, throw out bearing, input shaft bearing retainer and head work came out to $5400.00. It took me 2 weeks worth of labor.

 

[RollOver_Pete]

I honed the block as you did. The one thing that I would have done different.....
To pull the motor out. Doing an inframe literally kicked my ass.

 

[RollOver_Pete]

 

[RollOver_Pete]

Everything went back together...no spare parts.
Fired right up with 0 leaks. Runs smooth, has good power and I'm 100% satisfied with the results.
Some things I would recommend while the motor is out... Clean and redo all of your grounds. Replace or repair any wiring looms . Good luck on your build.