5.7L failed lifters

[maxredspeed3]

This is a humbling post to write, but I'm hoping for some advice/input based on experience.

Just to be upfront, I'm currently homeless and jobless, so as much as I would love to wave a credit card and take the shop's easy solution, right now it's not an option.

Truck info:

• 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel (new body style), stock.
• 5.7L (full gas, no eTorque/hybrid).
• EZH engine (VIN code T).
• 170k miles.
• Originally a Canadian truck (but I purchased it used in North Carolina).

Long story short, my truck was running rough and giving "misfire on cylinder 5", so I took it to a shop and they confirmed it has "failed lifters" and metal in the oil. Their solution was to replace the entire engine (~$7k plus $5k labor plus $700 gasket set = ~$13k). Realistically, I probably can't even afford a used engine, and even if I could, I don't have the tools to do an engine swap.

So, my goal is to try and repair what I can so it's drivable, while also preventing "too much" future damage. I've done plenty of my own work in the past, but not inner-engine like this (which is another part of the reason why I'm posting).

My (rough) idea was to:

1. Pop off the valve covers and clean what I could from the top (oil sludge and bits of metal)
2. Replace the lifters and gaskets (and any other springs or anything else that shows as blatantly damaged).
3. Put the valve covers back on
4. Flush it with oil (fill it, run it for a few minutes to cycle, then drain and replace the filter, and repeat).

My reasoning is that flushing with oil and replacing the filter is maybe $40-45 per cycle. So even if I flushed it 8-10 times to try and get everything out, that would only be $300-$400 for the flushing.

So first question: how valid is this for a temporary fix? Or is it a situation where it isn't even worth trying to clean unless you drop the camshaft and pull out the pistons and everything else?

Second question is: I've had trouble finding a DIY lifters replacement video for anything 2019+ (especially for a Rebel). I see a lot of videos about replacing lifters on "5.7 Hemis", but they are all on vehicles older than 2018. However, it looks the same as my truck. And I think I saw that the EZH engine was started back in...2010? 2009? So should those videos be pretty close to accurate for what I have, at least for seeing the steps involved to get at everything?

And by all means, if you have any better ideas, please let me know.

 

[oe542bob]

You’re in a tough spot. If you do remove just the lifters, I would think they are not your only issue. Probably need a cam too. And if you don’t get the metal out, you will be just wasting time and money. How about checking around for a used engine at a salvage yard.

 

[Namelama]

That's a difficult situation without a doubt. I would weigh out your options very carefully because you may open up that engine and think twice about investing any money. Have you considered possibly looking for another engine from a crashed/totaled vehicle with lower mileage? Metal in the oil screams engine rebuild, and you can't do that halfway without any certainty that you've fixed everything. Check out all your options and you'll feel right about your decision.

 

[maxredspeed3]

You’re in a tough spot. If you do remove just the lifters, I would think they are not your only issue. Probably need a cam too. And if you don’t get the metal out, you will be just wasting time and money. How about checking around for a used engine at a salvage yard.

Yeah, I did end up checking for used engines after I made the post. Nothing from local salvage yards, although car-part.com showed some within 125-400 mile distance, with the cheapest being $3k. For down the road, that's a great option. Unfortunately, even if I could afford the $3k (plus shipping), I don't have any way to get the old engine out and the new engine in (not to mention dropping the transmission).

 

[Orion10182011]

Going to need a new cam and lifters. Got to pull the heads to change the lifters. I think there is a very good chance the bottom of the engine is still good. Oil filter should have kept the glitter out of the crank.

 

[NorskieRider]

Sell the truck as is, and buy something else smaller and cheaper?
I say that without knowing your transportation needs, what you can get for your truck, or what you could buy, but it's worth a consideration.

 

[John Kloehr]

Unfortunately there is no shortcut, the heads have to come off to replace the lifters and lifter failure does require a new cam. And forget about the cheap eBay parts, you will have the failure again soon with those parts.

Is the engine even repairable? Need to pull the OCV (Oil Control Valve) and inspect it for metal particles. If any metal got there, the engine is past the point of repair and at least the short block needs to be replaced. About the only practical shortcut if it is repairable would be to not remove and rinse the oil pan and oil pickup screen, a step I would not skip.

With no ability to pay a shop, no place to do the work, and stretching to even buy parts... sell it and get something that is running. The Rebel is a popular vehicle. Your miles are a bit high and the Canada history makes rust a concern, the rest of your post suggests you have other priorities right now.

 

[toejam]

Local salvage yard (Liberty Auto Salvage- Evansville, IN) sells and installs used engines for around $3,000 or so if it helps.

Used 2021 DODGE 1500 PICKUP ENGINE ASSEMBLY - Aesop Auto Parts

Order this ENGINE ASSEMBLY for your 2021 DODGE DODGE 1500 PICKUP and get fast delivery.

aesopauto.com

 

[Mr.Grid]

Consider checking with Mopar for the cost of a factory rebuilt engine and install yourself. When My 2011 Hemi w/180K miles lifters failed in 2021 I sold to a friend that has a shop. He bought a re-manned Hemi from the factory and installed. He said he had under $5k in parts with returning the old engine to the factory at the time.

 

[toejam]

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[silver billet]

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