Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Broken Push Rod??? - 98.5 DD

[lbailey47]

Truck: 98. 5 Dodge diesel, 5 spd



Several years ago, at about 105,000 miles, my 20 yr. old son called to tell me that the truck had lost power, was blowing out smoke. He was 100 miles away heading the wrong direction so we met up & brought the truck home. It did drive terrible & when I left it at the office & got in my wife's car... . she had been following me... . her car reeked of diesel odor. I guess I was spewing unburnt diesel out the exhaust.



I took it to a local garage & they told me that I had a broken push rod & they replaced it for about $230.



I was relieved at that point to be out of the shop for that amount, but looking back, I'm wondering... .



1. Does this make sense?

2. Why did the push rod fail? Over - revved by "youthful" driver? (He told me that he wasn't pushing it hard... just highway driving)

3. Has anybody else experienced this failure?

4. Was the price for repair consistent with the failure?

 

[Thomas]

Bent Push Tubes.



TSB 18-019-01



TSB 18-019-02 Revision A

 

[Hohn]

Good reasons to run a fuel additive periodically at a high dose to clean out the valves.



Synth oil might help a bit too...





Justin

 

[JohnE]

Asked the diesel mechanic at the local dealership on troubles he sees most with 24 valve engines. The response is bent push rods from excess idle time.

 

[Joe Mc]

This is from the "Bent Push Tubes" attachment for what to do to prevent push tube bending / tar buildup



QUOTE:

4. Prior to shutting off the engine after extended idling (6 hrs) it is important to bring the engine to operating temperature (minimum of 140 degrees) to remove any carbon build up on the valves. This can be accomplished by driving the vehicle for 20-30 minutes or;

NON-Chrysler: Operate the engine at high idle for 5 minutes or until engine reaches 140°F.

Chrysler: Run the truck at 2000 rpm for two minutes, 3000 rpm for two minutes and then 3500 rpm for two minutes, until the engine reaches at least 140°F.



HA - Idling for 6 hours???? and 3500 rpm for two minutes - I'd like to see that.



I like the TSB info more reasonable rpm values.