87 Power Ram Head removal

[tabor1000]

Hey guys- got some new-guy questions here.

I've had a 1987 Power Ram 50 for a little over a year now, and it's always been good to me. Lately it started missing, and after trying to track the problem down myself for a couple days, I gave in and took it into the shop. My guy told me that one of my spark plugs is broken, seized, and misfiring, and that my valves are bent- quoting me about $7-800 to pull the head and fix it. I'm an amateur mechanic, mostly just tune-ups and stuff, but I really can't afford that right now. Would this be crazy for me to attempt myself, and does anyone have any helpful write-ups on removing the head and replacing what I need? I've looked around for some info but can't find anything too specific.


Here's a picture of the truck from a dune trip in Northern Michigan just for fun.
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[tabor1000]

Forgot to mention it's the 2.6l G54B.

[pennyman1]

The plug issue I can believe - my dad had an 88 Ram 50 that the same thing happened. The bent valves are another issue though. If they were really bent, it wouldn't run at all. It comes down to what you are comfortable with - pulling the head is a lot of work for an amateur mechanic, but not as bad as say a Subaru motor with dual overhead cams. There are new complete heads available for the 2.6 that are 350 - 400. You would also need a head gasket kit, and new head bolts regardless of which way you go - repair or replace.

[geezer101]

You should be able to tell if you have bent valves by taking off the rocker cover, turning the engine over by hand and watching the rocker arms. If you see clearance between the rockers and cam lobes then you have valve issues. Pulling a broken spark plug won't be much fun but your chances of removing it are higher if the engine is warm. There are layers of crazy - trying this yourself VS $800 to a workshop. DIY and you'll learn something but you'll need to spend coin on tools like a torque wrench, if you plan on doing this right it's going to cost you anyway (VRS kit, new timing chains and guides, timing cover gasket, maybe a water pump...) but the end result will be worth it.

[tabor1000]

Well I found a line on a rebuilt G54B head with everything for $220 shipped. After consulting some more experienced friends, I think I'm going to try it myself. I will keep you all updated and post some progress in here.

[LSR Mike]

look up the manuals on this site...

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php/29-Manuals-and-Other-Source-Info

[tabor1000]

what all is recommended I should replace if I'm already going through the hassle of pulling the head? timing chain? water pump?

[pennyman1]

timing chains depends on mileage and how the truck was maintained. Water pump is a definite, as is a thermostat and the hoses - all of the coolant ones, and the vacuum ones. New plugs and wires, cap and rotor if they look questionable.