omzo

I am sorry to hear that I hope you find a solution

omzo

I should have clarified, the 5300 is for a jasper engine as well as labor and tax. I have added some pictures, poor angles, but maybe they can show something

Honestly it looks worse in the pictures, due to hardly any light and bad angle, than it does in person. IMHO, it's cleanable but I am by no means a mechanic.

scobar

iTrader: (4)

Not sure how bad the sludge is....I have heard of people running trans fluid or diesel fuel in a motor for a short time to get the crud out.

IMO, if you are going for a new motor, I would shop around. $5,300 for a new motor seems steep. A low mileage pull from car-part.com should be under 2k and a reman under 3k. Figure $500 for an engine swap depending on shop rates.

omzo

I have some pictures at the bottom of the first page, they aren't that great, and kind of dark, but maybe that gives an idea. I almost think the pictures make it look worse that in person due to the lighting and bad angle. The 5300 is for the jasper engine, tax, and labor.

scobar

iTrader: (4)

Well, you know your option is a new motor....i would try the diesel or trans fluid, what do you have to lose? Also, I started that reply this morning. How's your day going lol.

omzo

Oh can't complain too much, little stressed over the truck though! lol. how about you? I think we've decided to replace the timing chain and VCT solenoids, mechanically clean under the valve covers, and flush the engine out. Probably going to start tomorrow.

Anyone have any opinions on that/advice?

13Harleyfan

The lobes on that camshaft look worn out, I've seen that before on some earlier model 5.0 due to lack of maint. I would think the lower end bearing's don't look much better, if you don't have the capabilities to do it yourself, by all means swap it out. A new motor with and old tranny might be an issue down the road so proceed with caution. Ona side note I've seen engines with more sludge than that, rebuilt the upper end and it ran for a long time after that.

FANGS99

Try Seafoam........ May have to do it a few times. Then after you do that change the oil and run Rotela motor oil with 1 bottle of lucas oil stabilizer and after 1,500 miles Seafoam it again and change the oil one more time.

scobar

iTrader: (4)

He could just run trans fluid in place of motor oil and let it idle until warm and it would take a lot of crap out. It is heavy in detergents. I have heard of some using 1 or 2 quarts on top of their oil change to flush crap out. Some places even "de-sludge" motors I've read.

IDK...

If if was me, I'd do trans fluid or diesel fuel and let it idle, knock the crap out, and see what happens. $5300 is a lot for a used truck IMO, but I don't know how much in love the Op is with his truck or the condition. I know if it was me, I'd do a built motor

FANGS99

Yea, if it were me, I do a built motor too.
Stock crank, manley rods, Diamond Pistons (9.5:1 compression)
FRPP ported/updated heads,ARP head studs, FRPP hot rod cams....... Save for a whipple.