Major motor trouble?

2001 DODGE RAM
160,000 MILES • 3.9L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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COBOYMEAD
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  • 2 POSTS
I was on my way home when suddenly my motor started ticking badly and it lost all power. The motor revved high then there was smoke, or steam completely engulfed the truck. It smelled of fried oil. I had it towed to my house. It sat for a few months after I drained what looked like mustard out the oil pan. I took the intake off, and I found mounds of crusty black debris and what appears to be water inside. I am really attached to the pickup. I want to attempt to rebuild but money is tight, so I aim to just get her up and running.
Oct 13, 2022 at 8:39 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like a head gasket may have failed. Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you are seeing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know your thoughts. If you feel it is a head gasket issue, that can be repaired without too many headaches on this vehicle.

Also, the black crusty things you see are likely burnt oil. That can happen if the oil isn't changed on a regular basis.


Let me know.

Joe
Oct 13, 2022 at 9:28 PM
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COBOYMEAD
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I can't seem to get it to start at all. I've decided to tear the motor down to the block if I have to. I've already removed the intake and today I'm the heads. I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm no mechanic so wish me luck.
Oct 14, 2022 at 7:29 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thank you for the update. Let me know what you find or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 14, 2022 at 10:32 PM