Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Not sure what I've got going on here

[BillYeager]

So long story short, purchased a fixer upper last August and have yet to get it on the road so getting very frustrated with it. 320k on the truck and engine is supposed to be 160k on it. Keep finding hack repairs on the truck. Removed exhaust manifold to find a oil/fuel mixture coming out of exhaust ports of #3, 5, & 6. Had studs ready to do at a later date so may as well start now. The appearance of the head compared to the block doesn't match, the head looks older so given the other repairs, this was probably the same. Figuring the head gasket was blown as well since breaking the last bolt free made the head shift. Never had one break loose so easily. Stripping the head tonight and also found oil/fuel in the injector cavity so I'm thinking the copper washers were reused as well at some point. Is this common, this is my first Cummins. Cylinders were pretty clean with not too much carbon built up on the pistons. Cross hatching is not too bad but every cylinder has what appears to be a polished ring about 1 inch from the top which would probably be the oil control rings. While you can not feel deformation, you can see it in the right light. The engine appeared to be stock when I picked it up. Also adjusted the valves and double checked them.



Does anyone have any suggestions about the mixture coming out of the exhaust ports? What about in the injector cavity? Cylinder ring, anything to worry about? What do you think the useful life of the P pump is? My plan is to shave the head, new seals and a valve grind. One more, what are the thoughts on removing the trans cooler under the exhaust manifold? Looks like it is about to burst through so want to remove and install a trans cooler with fan under the truck somewhere.



Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you

Bill

 

[GAmes]

You said p-pump, so I'm assuming this is a '94 -98 12valve? Before you take it to the shop confirm the head is from a turbocharged engine. I recall reading somewhere that there is a difference. If the engine truly only has 160k the crosshatch would look like new. Mine did at 196k.

Oil/fuel in the injector holes would be normal if the valve covers were leaking. Did you pull the injectors before you removed the exhaust manifold? The fuel would arrive when you disconneted the lines.

The first time I had my p-pump worked on was 750k, then only because oil was leaking from the top rod seal. However, if you have an earlier ('95 or '96) auto, those pumps are known to have sticking delivery valve problems.

I'm not familiar with the trans cooler, never had one.

 

[GAmes]

I just went out and looked at the two engines I have in the garage. Both have the polished ring about 1 inch from the top. One engine is my original, w/790+k on it and the other has unknown miles, but I'm guessing in the 400 to 500k range. I believe your engine is the original, or if changed a much higher than the 160 you were told.

 

[JLEONARD]

My plan is to shave the head, new seals and a valve grind

Do your homework first and check the price of a "Cummins Re-man head" before you get a machine shop working on the old one. You may be surprised at what you find unless a buddy is doing the work cheap.