Ok guys, after chasing blowby for quite some time, I have almost concluded that a rebuild is in order. Before I do anything rash, I will get a leak down to check compression.
My question is this: What kind of cost can I expect for machine work to the block to clean it up (if needed)? The only machine work I have ever had done was a headjob on sb chevy heads. I am assuming the worst- boring the cylinders, honing, truing everything, etc. I found rebuild kits that seem like good quality for about $700. This was for pistons, rings, gaskets and bearings. Also, what kind of costs could I expect in exchanging my head in for a p&p unit? How about costs for valve job on my head?
I have access to a couple of 5.9's that are in need of a rebuild, so as long as mine doesn't give up the ghost in the meantime, I would be in no hurry. I am just trying to weigh my options against replacing with a good take-out engine. Thanks in advance,

John

 

i get some prices this evening on the last one we did. hopefully its not needed what all have you checked so far to decide the need for a rebuild?

 

It may be cheaper to buy a new shortblock, unless you are interested in going outside the box on the bottom end.

 

Sorry, not trying to hijack just curious but might I ask what you mean by "outside the box" ?


Thanks in advance!

 

In pricing, I would be wary of anything that isn't genuine Cummins parts or purpose made specialty parts of a high-performance aftermarket variety.

It is pretty well documented that the extra you pay for Cummins parts is well spent.

 

From the things that I have been reading John for the most part a lot of guy's just send the head out for a valve job replace the pistons and rings hone the cylinders and your prety much good to go as long as there is only wear issues and no other damage should be straight forward.......

 

C20, that would be very helpful, thank you. The truck has blowby like crazy and drips oil from various places under the hood. I just rolled 300,000 (I know- "Theres no reason that these motors shouldn't last 1,000,000 miles) and I suspect that the motor has been run low on oil. I wasn't planning on trying anything new redragtop, would just like to build a quality truck. Everything on this truck is tight and it is extremely clean, with the exception of the oil leaking and blowby. Shoust, do you think it is an in-frame rebuild? Might be just as easy to pull the motor if it goes that far. I just missed out on a good long block for $500 less than an hour from my house, was kind of mad about that. Scott, the kit I saw was Mahl pistons, victor reinz gaskets, don't remember the brand of rings or bearings. Thanks for the help so far.

 

Where are You guys looking for engines, I've been looking for a 2nd gen for a couple months now and the only relatively low mile engine I found was $2650 when I know most pay up to 2k only, what am I missing here?

 

Not missing anything, with the exception of that motor, I haven't seen anything for under $15-2000.