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Refer to photos, but basically I pulled a trailer which was too heavy for my truck, and I could feel and hear the strain. Then oil splashing everywhere under the hood (continued vvvvvv) You can see the hole best here. Other images for location reference. . I found the source which you can see in photos. Any ideas the cause and if I can fix this myself? All advice welcome. Thanks!!
Does the truck still run? Was there still an oil reading on the dipstick? Is it making knocking or tapping sounds?
Truck still runs. Ever since I bought it, it has a knock and tap at startup and when the engine idles hot in the summer.
When I asked about this, people said it was normal of these engines. Been running like that at least 7 years.
No apparent issues until I overloaded the engine with that heavy trailer.
Needs the whole timing chain spiel.
Chain has worn through the timing cover.
I'm thinking the guide is broken and laying in the oil pan.
I don't think this is related to the trailer.
This has been this way for a while.
Really to know if it is worth repairing a quick look at the cam journals should tell the story.
Last edited by MF cowboy; Feb 1, 2021 at 09:08 PM.
I feel you are correct. My FIL said the same thing.
is it worth it to get that done? I saw the valve cover overlapping this front cover and basically threw my hands up. I'd get this done at a bro shop, but only if it's worth it.
Guess we'll see. Thanks for the help!!
Truck still runs. Ever since I bought it, it has a knock and tap at startup and when the engine idles hot in the summer.
When I asked about this, people said it was normal of these engines. Been running like that at least 7 years.
No apparent issues until I overloaded the engine with that heavy trailer.
Not a trailer issue. The same engine goes in Super Duties of the time. Whether the suspension or axles will repay you in kind sooner than later is another story.
As for “normal”, that doesn’t mean acceptable. Amazing that folks put up with unnatural engine noises because their favorite automaker says to...
That aside, “normal” probably nets you a remanned engine with seven years or so of wear on that sweet boat anchor.
(I’m sensibly chuckling at the “Buy a Chevy” vote option. The 5.3s that drop to four cylinders tend to eat lifters and cams like Hemis do. Normal? Who knows how normal. Acceptable? Not a chance and nobody here would claim that.)
Last edited by Johnny Paycheck; Feb 2, 2021 at 12:27 AM.
2009 5.4 engine ruined?
