Pics of the carnage..

[Ridemywideglide]

Here's a few shots of the pistons I pulled out today..
The top ring in cylinder 5 was broke in half but still in tact otherwise.
The top ring in cylinder 6 was shattered into about 12 peices, 2 of which where melted into the ring grove, you can see them in the second pic.
All 5 other pistons look great, still have the fine grooves on the skirts, but 6 looks like it was drug down the highway. Find out tomorrow how bad the cylinder is, I'm doubting honing will be enough..

 

[Signal 73]

ouch:doh: what lead up of this, excessive EGTs?

 

[Ridemywideglide]

I am not sure.. I only bought the truck less than a year ago, and got this far into it over a head gasket leaking. Turned out the head was cracked in all 6 cylinders, had been consuming coolant for some time.
I know I have never had the EGT over 1300, and it was only at that for a few seconds.

I think the piston damage is most likely on me, but the truck was rode hard and hung up wet by the previous owner.
# 6 rod was knocking a bit as well, but all the rods were on thier way south.

 

[satburn]

Gee, this all seems so "familiar"... minus the broken ring, but still I'm getting deja vue

 

[Ridemywideglide]

Sorry for dredging up your bad memories.. oke:

Would be nice if mine hones out tho. Nice to only buy 1 piston.

 

[Ridemywideglide]

One positive note with all this... My KDP was still intact, untabbed and not protruding.. With 211K on it.. :woohoo:

It will be tabbed NOW tho..

 

[satburn]

Check around, I priced 1 piston vs. 6 aftermarkets and was surprised. With 211k on the odometer, I'd at least consider it.

 

[Blackbumper]

I agree I just picked up a set of aftermarket pistons with rings and wrist pins for less than $400 for the whole set.

 

[farmboysdiesel]

The stock Cummins OEM pistons are tough - be careful when looking at the aftermarket replacements.

 

[Ridemywideglide]

Here some pics of the other 5 pistons. I have to wait for the verdict on the block before I know if I can even attempt to re-use them.
Got a bore gauge coming, anyone know the specs for the bore?

 

[Ridemywideglide]

here's the other sides..

 

[satburn]

Per DodgeRam.org

1996-1998 12 Valve General Engine Specifications

* Engine: 5.9-Liter, OHV, Diesel Six-Cylinder
* Type & Description: Six cylinder, in line, liquid cooled, turbocharged, intercooled
* Displacement: 359 cu. in. (5.9 L)
* Bore x Stroke: 4.02 x 4.72 (102.1 x 119.9)
* Valve System: OHV, 12 valves, solid sliding tappet lifter/followers
* Valve Adjustment (engine cold)
o Intake = 0.010" Exhaust = 0.020"
o Adjustment interval - 24,000 miles
* Fuel Injection: High-pressure direct injection, mechanical
* Fuel Pressure: 18-24 psi at idle, 28-36 at 2000 rpm with no load.
* Construction: Cast iron block & head
* Fuel Requirement: Diesel #1 or #2
* Oil Capacity: 11 qt. (10.4 L) with filter
* Oil Flow Rate: 20 GPM
* Coolant Capacity: 24 qt. (22.7 L)
* Emission Controls: Engine modifications, oxidation catalyst (after 1/1/94)
* Alternator: 136 A
* Battery: Maintenance-free, dual 750 CCA

*The "governed speed" is the highest speed that produces useable power. Above the governed speed, engine power drops VERY quickly. Other interesting engine speeds:

* Destructive torsional harmonic resonance occurs at 4100 RPM
* Crank and rods fail at 5400 RPM (if you make it through 4100 RPM)

 

[Ridemywideglide]

Nice... Thanks for that info.. :thankyou2:

I was actually just hoping for the bore limit before it needs resizing.. :doh:
But I'm filing that with the other need to know info for sure.

Thanks
Brad