Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Recomendations for Engine builder

[BFlower]

I recently purchased a 97 12valve as a project truck for towing. I had the engine evaluated by a Cummins shop and found severe blow by and a long block or short block was recommended. I would prefer to have this engine rebuilt with modest HP improvements. I have pulled the engine and transmission and am talking to various shops about the work. Any recommendations for reputable engine builders in Michigan or Northern Indiana?

 

[GAmes]

The engine builder I plan to use is in south TX, which I know is no help to you. I'm wondering how many miles on the engine and do you know how it was used?

 

[BFlower]

The truck has 220,000 miles and was used to haul a gooseneck trailer. The culprit appears to be just plain poor maintenance. I was searching for a 12 valve 5 speed and bought the truck right but as I have looked at the details, the truck was very poorly maintained. There was an old K&N air filter in the air box that was out of position and so caked with dirt you couldn't tell what it was. How do you like the 3. 54 gears, I am also considering switching from the 410's that are in this truck. I am looking to retire my 99 24valve automatic from towing and switch to the 12 valve.

 

[GAmes]

The only complaint about the 3. 54s is that I am limited to the stock 215/85 tire size for towing. Running empty they are great for mileage. I have thought about 19 inch Ricksons and 4. 10s when the gears wear out, but that would be a huge expense now that I have so many miles behind me.

I have more questions. Is the tappet cover gasket leaking and do you know how the Cummins mech determined you have excessive blow-by?

 

[Jim W]

If yuo are will to travel to northern IL (near Aurora IL) I know of one. Send me a PM and I will provide the name and phone number the engine rebuilder.

 

[BFlower]

I am going to move my 19. 5 Ricksons off of my 99. They are great but that expense was huge. Yes there are huge leaks on the tappet cover and everywhere else. The Cummins specification is a pressure diffential test using a manometer. There is no compression test for a Cummins. Mine was off the scale meaning the rings are gone.

 

[GAmes]

Thanks. I see a pressure diffential test in my future. Goodluck on the rebuild.

 

[Dieseldemon]

I do a pressure test on each cyl and if they are within 10% they are ok they all test around 400 to 450 psi.

 

[MMcCallie]

I recommend going with a very well established shop that has a great reputation like Scheid Diesel, Piers Diesel Research, Industrial Injection, Dynomite Diesel Performance, Dr. Performance, etc. If you go to a smaller shop and anything goes wrong, you could have to start over again and lose lots of money. Speaking from experience.

 

[HBarlow]

I recommend Cummins, Inc. A factory rebuild from Cummins, the good folks who built the engine, would be my choice. A proven track record and a warranty make it a no-brainer choice for me if I ever need one.

 

[hdm48]

A compression test will give you a general idea of the condition of the motor. But a "leak down" test will tell you the condition of all of the components ie: rings, valves, head gasket.