Found a new project. Ram D250

[threewood]

I found a 5.2l magnum engine through a broker online. $650, throttle body to oil pan, ready to install, 72,000 miles, 1 year warranty. Free delivery.

The saga continues.

 

[GTXDAN]

That's not bad for a complete engine with a warranty. Need to check them out to be sure they are who they say they are, and if they accept returns if the engine is not what they say. Do a compression or maybe a leak down test to see how the rings and valves are sealing.

 

[threewood]

That's not bad for a complete engine with a warranty. Need to check them out to be sure they are who they say they are, and if they accept returns if the engine is not what they say. Do a compression or maybe a leak down test to see how the rings and valves are sealing.

Seems legit. He did say 12-14 days to ship engines. If there is an issue they claim to pay 100% of return shipping. Paid for using PayPal in case there is an issue.
Freeman Auto Store

i am, at minimum, going to pull the valve covers, intake and oil pan to see condition of engine and seals. I have a complete gasket set already and main seals, valve seals, if they look leaky.

 

[69Bee]

Also replace ALL of the freeze plugs as they are easily accessible on the stand. Melling MPE113R for a kit. They could look fine from the outside, but inside they will be rusting out.

 

[threewood]

Also replace ALL of the freeze plugs as they are easily accessible on the stand. Melling MPE113R for a kit. They could look fine from the outside, but inside they will be rusting out.

I happen to have a brass freeze plug kit on my bench! And I will want to clean the block out, so the water pump may come out, too.

 

[33 IMP]

I found a 5.2l magnum engine through a broker online. $650, throttle body to oil pan, ready to install, 72,000 miles, 1 year warranty. Free delivery.

The saga continues.

That sounds like a very viable solution.
I looked up reman 318 shortblocks, found one for just under $1000, I like what you found a lot better.

 

[69Bee]

The kit has 2 cam plugs, one flat disc and one contoured. There is no need to replace it unless there are signs of leakage. If needed, I prefer using the contoured plug.

 

[threewood]

That sounds like a very viable solution.
I looked up reman 318 shortblocks, found one for just under $1000, I like what you found a lot better.

I thought so too. As long as it isn't locked up or cracked, it will work. Replace gaskets and seals and fire it up? Yes, please.

 

[threewood]

So I have a pile of spare engine parts now...

And while I was at it, I R&R'd the two bad rods. Pressed the old ones off, heated and slid on the new ones. Now I have a full set of usable used pistons.

Next up, transmission. It got power washed with the engine block. It had 1/2" of caked on dirt and sludge. I'll take it apart and inspect the internals, replace seals, and both input and output shaft bushings. The torque converter snout is ridged pretty bad so I will need a new one.