Sorry. Didn't mean to mislead anyone. I just know I have done that test on my truck before and the cap didn't move. So to me what it is doing now is practically flying off.

 

Ya. I am totally bummed. I have to give it to the girl she got us home. We were on our way back from New York pulling our camper. Running down the interstate she actually ran smooth, low on power but noting noticeably wrong. As soon as you took your foot off the gas though it was back to what you saw in the picture. Running super rough, I thought for sure she was gonna die but never did. Also especially this last tank mileage went into the crapper big time.

So basically I am looking at a rebuild then??

 

There's nothing to be sorry about, this is a good lesson in blow by, sorry to hear that you have it.

It sounds like it went fast though, like something broke as opposed to something wearing out. I'm thinking that you're looking at a rebuild or new used engine. Are you going to check compression in each cylinder before you go all out?

 

I will. I need to get a diesel compression gauge. The one I have doesn't go high enough.

 

I may get fussed at for saying this but at this point wouldn't a compression test be a waste of time? At best it will tell you which cylinder is bad. There's a lot of pressure coming through. JMHO

 

Is this a valid point? Just asking. I am at a total loss currently.

 

I would see a compression check as something like a second Drs. opinion before a major operation.

 

Right.. But in my opinion the first opinion was when it started running rough. Pressure lifting that cap like it is is the second opinion. My guess would be either a broken ring or a hole burned in the top of the piston.

 

Just heard from the mechanic. Number 7 cylinder down 40% on the compression. He said either the cylinder wall or crack in the piston. $5,100 for a used engine and installed.

 

Run away that's too much, you can get a rebuild long block for that much.

 

What about buying a used engine off craiglist? I have purchased a dud for $275 but got a running one with good compression for $250. In all honesty, a fresh rebuild is nice to have but I can buy a whole lot of used engines for the price of a rebuild doing it myself even.

 

That sucks that you need a motor. Anything obvious contribute to this that you know of?

 

Was quoted $3,700 for a used motor with 107,000 miles on it. Comes with a one year warranty. And $1,400 to remove the old and install.

Nothing obvious that I can tell. Change oil regularly and such. I am at a loss really. Totally bummed for sure. Went and picked it up tonight and she is starting to knock really bad now.

 

It's a damn shame that you're way out there, I have a 73,000 mile '01 engine I'd let you have for substantially less than that, only glitch is a long start that I haven't tackled yet but we all know that can be conquered easy enough.

 

Go back and watch the cap jump in to his hand when it gets past the last thread. There was SUBSTANTIAL crankcase pressure.