Posted by Alan Bowes on October 18, 1997 at 17:04:17:
In Reply to: cylinder wear problem? posted by Joe Lorenzino on October 18, 1997 at 12:20:42:
: My 54 Fargo PW runs great on 3cyl.(1,2,4) but oil fouls on the other 3cyl (3,5,6) Is this characteristic of them? Does the Dodge flathead have a "heat" problem that causes some cylinders to wear faster than others? The truck has 27k indicated miles, and 30psi oil pres at idle, but has been sitting for a few years. Don't want to tear it appart just yet, so I'm looking for ideas and possible known causes/problems. Thanks J.V.L.
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Joe,
The fact that three of the cylinders are OK suggests that it may not be a wear problem. When a vehicle sits for a long time, a common result is corrosion in the cylinders, especially any whose valves happen to be open. A small amount of corrosion can cause piston rings to freeze up, not allowing them to flex as required to maintain adequate compression and control oil consumption. Sometimes penetrating oil squirted into the suspect cylinders can help loosen up the stuck rings, but it often fails. Still, it's worth a try. If it doesn't work, the best solution is to pull the head, ream out the cylinder ridge, pull off the oil pan, and remove the pistons. Be careful not to nick the connecting rod journals. While you're at it, you can drop in some new connecting rod bearings. Check the rings, cylinder condition, piston-to-cylinder clearance, etc. and take the appropriate action. It may require nothing more serious than freeing up some rings, but it's not that much work to hone the cylinders a touch and install new rings. If there is too much taper and clearance, then a cylinder boring job is indicated.
Alan
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