I'm going to pull my diesel for a little "maintenance."

[arveetek]

Just thought I'd update ya'll on some of my diesel engine happenings.

I haven't had any problems since installing the turbo last summer. However, I recently started having an intermittant ticking noise that I've tracked down to a failing lifter. It's getting worse and getting on my nerves. The engine still runs great, but I can't stand to have something that doesn't work quite right. I can change the lifters with the engine in the truck, but, due to the design of the 6.2L block, I can't reach the lifters by pulling the intake manifold. They're hidding down inside the block under the heads. They can be reached by pulling off the valve covers, but it's really hard to do.

So, I want to change all the lifters, as well as install a gear drive kit to replace the timing chain. I'll have half the engine torn apart just to do these two items. Plus, my motor mounts are shot (again), so I'm going to have to jack up the engine just to do that. Now there's not much left holding the engine in anyway. So, I'm just going to go ahead and yank the motor and do it all on the engine stand where I can get to it much easier and do a better job.

While the engine is out I'm going to install the gear drive, install new water pump, remove heads, replace lifters, install new head gaskets, check engine over really well, install stud girdle kit on bottom end (ties three center main bearing caps together for extra strength), install new rear main oil seal, replace all other seals/gaskets, and install new energy suspension motor mounts in the truck. I'm also going to replace the O-ring on the turbo housing that's leaking a bit of oil.

I have all the parts except for the motor mount inserts and the stud girdle kit, which are on the way. I hope to get started this weekend or early next week.

I'll keep ya'll updated on the process!

Casey