You can also tell if it is down on compression by listening to the engine while it is cranking over. It will not crank over smoothly and stay at a constant speed. It will have a noticeable change in speed when it has a hole down on compression.You may have to unplug all 3 injector harnesses on the drivers side of the valve cover to be able to let the engine crank over long enough to hear it with an untrained ear.

Ya. I am facing reality that it is on its way out. I took the cap off to get you guys a pic tonight. A week ago I tried it and the cap would sit on the oil fill opening without moving but had some smoke coming out. Now the cap is dancing on the opening when I unscrew it. It is definitely getting worse. There is a big cloud of smoke around my truck when it is idling. Kind of bummed out as I just put nearly 10K in this truck and now it is ready to die. Thanks for the input guys and I will keep you posted on the outcome.

Well if the bodies solid it's probably worth it, considering how much new CTD's cost. Still hurts though for sure

8K vs. 77K seems like a no brainer to me....and a bargain at that. You like truck and it has many other new parts....rebuild the engine and replace the injectors.

That sucks, but, not time to give up yet:

I did a search on 05's and found 5.9's with approx. 100,000 miles on them and seen some for $3000 (minus turbo which should work perfect for you) and complete engines up to about $5500.

Expect a 300 to 500 shipping charge, or zero if there is one close to you. Very worth it to pay the shipping and get a low-mile engine than to take a chance on something closer with higher miles that may have issues as well.

At any rate, most wreckers give a 3 month warranty and about 10,000 miles. If you go this route, make your life easy and ONLY get an '05.

I would just rule out a full rebuild all-together unless you get it direct from Cummins. Ex$pensive I'm sure and you already have enough into it. Time to get clever with the penny.

My example: I went with a 105,000 mile 46RE for $800 plus $113 shipping and now have 45,000 miles on it without issue. The remove/replace re-build route was $3300.00 from a reputable shop and no better warranty than my auto-wrecker score.

It was a tough decision, and it's the first time I've done it, but sure worked for me.

Thanks for input. Actually thinking about heading direction. Found a 05 local that body is beat but owner wants 4k for whole truck. Has 130k on drivetrain. Gonna hear it run soon.

Take it to someone and have a fuel return flow test done on it, also on the commonrail trucks water is the killer of that set up. Make sure there isn't any water contamination on the transfer tubes. If you replace the injectors, some overlook the transfer tubes and don't replace them as part of the job. The 5.9 commonrail was prone to rust build up on them, the 6.7 went with a stainless steel transfer tube so the water didn't attack some parts of the fuel system.

You say a rough idle after the valve job?

Ive seen the valves being to tight cause a rough idle, Valve hang open just enough to leak compression. Intake is .010, exhaust is .020, the exhaust on the 6.7 was opened up to .026, so your 5.9 should be .020...

Nice!

If it's the same config as your truck (4x4) and the trans is strong, I'd keep the engine/trans together for swapping. Keep your transmission as a spare.

Diffs should get you at least $1000 back, and if the interior is good maybe another $800. Let the shell go to the wrecker for $300

This won't cost you much except time.

Sounds like it has lost cylinder seal for whatever reason on at least one hole. Mileage is a little light for a well maintained 5.9 to have gone south unless it has one of those snake oil K&N type "low restriction" air filters on it.

Link to a Genuine Cummins overhaul kit for an 04 should give you a ballpark for what it will cost to rebuild what you have. I couldn't find a Genuine Kit for a newer engine. I wouldn't use jobber parts unless I was going to dump it.

http://puredieselpower.com/dodge-product...erhaul-kit.html

Kevin

I went to a local tech and he plugged in the diagnostic port and it named the injectors that were weak. I had to replace mine at 110,000 In my 05. I was told the fuel filter did not filter down to a small enough particle and it would kill the injectors. Mine idled rough. I replaced mine myself and put a Fast pump and filter combo and have had no trouble in the last 30,000.