I just acquired an '84 Dodge Ram50 TD (with the Mitsu 4D55 engine) that has 92K miles, but questionable compression (allegedly ~300 psi) - so some engine wear. The previous owner parked it after a severe oil leak started 'under the timing cover'. He took apart some of the timing belt components and quit at that point. This owner suspects the truck has been neglected as far as oil changes and general maintenance.

I plan to reassemble the engine enough to start it and see where the oil is coming out. Having said this, is there a typical seal that fails in these engines, and could the oil leak be due to a plugged crankcase vent of some sort? How is the crankcase on this engine vented? Do these engines leak oil badly due to blowby when they get worn out? I have the Dodge factory service manual for the truck.

I'd like anyone's general thoughts on this.

Thanks - Steve

The motor is blown sell it to me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />


Honestly though, I can't help with the leak (possibly front seal?). But if you decide to junk it PM me. I've been looking for one of these engines.

And if you need a running engine I have a 2.6 gas engine that runs great with a 5spd manual 4x4 tranny. Maybe we could work a trade or something.....

There are 4 places under the timing cover where they can leak - and luckily, they're not hard to fix. The main crankshaft seal, two balance shaft seals and the camshaft seal. Easest way is to take out the radiator. The tricky/fiddly part is getting the timing reset if you don't know what your doing.

All the seals are pretty cheap to buy.

Thanks for your suggestions - upon closer examination, it sure looks like the camshaft seal - everything above it is clean, and everthing below it is oily.

I need to do a serious cleanup on this beast, and then re-install the timing belts, start it, and see where the leakage is coming from.

Steve

Keep us informed. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />