I took my 99 e450 to the shop. two injectors were not hitting. they put in two new injectors and they found out that one of them cylinders has low compression. I think it was around 100psi. What kind of options do I have on this engine? do I scrap it and get another truck? do I attempt to rebuild the current engine? do I drop in another engine? Or is there something that can be added to the engine to help with that cylinder? I have very little money in the truck but at the same time, I dont want to put more into it than I need to. Any and all opinions are appreciated.
E450 help...compression
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That would depend on what's the cause of the low compression. It could be as minor as a bad valve, or could be scored cylinder walls, broken rings.....
I would investigate a bit further, perhaps even putting a borescope down the injector hole and check it out. A crate engine is going to run you about $7K for a decent one.
I would investigate a bit further, perhaps even putting a borescope down the injector hole and check it out. A crate engine is going to run you about $7K for a decent one.
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I agree with Tinman..Don't do anything until you have determined the root cause. A bore scope may or may not reveal anything, I would do a (cheaper) leakdown test first.
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x2 on further investigation.....i lost a motor at 79k(cracked piston)i got a used motor through a local salvage company(lkq) with 50k for 3k.it also had a 1 year warranty,it now has 165k on it and running strong.good luck
Guy at the shop says he can not do a leak down test. His opinion is for me to drive it and see if the compression comes back. the truck has sat for a while and I think I am tired of it sitting at this guys shop. Keep in mind it has been there for over a month. I need my truck. I will get it and drive it and if possible, i will do further tests myself. I am not a diesel mechanic but I do have mechanical knowledge. Any more opinions, am I doing the right thing? what do u guys think?
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Did he say why he couldn't do it? No time or no equipment or no experience? I haven't seen compression "come back" from 100 to 400+
Engines don't lose 3/4 of thier compression for no reason, I would be looking for a new mechanic and leave that one in the dust. A leak down test is fairly simple and doesn't require any expensive equipment. IMHO the guy at the shop doesn't fell like messing with it and is making an excuse to send you on your way. I wouldn't keep driving it like it is.
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Something isn't right. With only 100psi compression in a cylinder, it's going to blow white smoke all the time. Does it? If it's not, the compression isn't that low. Either way, I wouldn't leave it there. Your libel to get charged to "make it worth his while". Drive it. Do the tests yourself.
update: went got truck from shop on friday afternoon. truck still was blowing out white smoke, but was running. I got about 5 miles from the shop and it lost power and the service engine soon light popped on. I creeped home because it had no power. Got home and it was running like crap. moved around in yard and went to start and it didnt. what things do I need to check? I dont think I will go to another shop unless I just have too. dont have access to a scan tool. my cheaper one will not read the codes in it. any help is appreciated....
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