I had one 5.7 in a Durango that had a very slight coolant leak into the cylinder. This engine had been apart previously at another dealership and it looked like they drug the head across the floor scarring the deck surface. You didn't mention it being apart previously but it could be something similar. Get a combustion gas detector kit that is used to detect combustion gasses in the cooling system.


"Follow me the wise man said, but he walked behind"


'92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion.
'74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Rear disc and hydroboost conversion.
2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.