This is my first post and I'm glad the slant six is alive and well! I just picked up a 1987 Dodge Ram D250 with the 226 L6. Had been sitting for 10 years. Engine is free as the crank turns a little while tugging on the fan belt. There looks to be a crack in the cylinder head between number 6 and 5 spark plug holes. I used the 3 spray can set called , "Spot Check" and it appears it might just be a defect in the casting finish. Do these heads crack and is there a special way to prepare this engine for restarting after such a long sit? I fogged the cylinders with Marvel oil and plan to change all the fluids. I hear many great stories about these engines and fondly remember them as a kid. I even built the model kit. Thanks , Jerry Lynch!

I don't think the head is that fragile, but might if had water in and froze even with water in I would think the block would crack before the head.

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

what's behind that 225,, auto or a stick?
and
was that dye penetrant that you were working with?

I believe my D250 has a 3 speed. This is what the manual lists. Don't have it running yet and never checked the trans code. The truck was ordered by the government for duty with the Delaware Army National Guard. Heavy duty stuff! It has a Knapheide, utility body on the back. I used "Magnaflux", Spotcheck. A three ,spray can system using a cleaner, penetrant, and developer with Zyglo. Looking forward to reading this site and maybe help others with my abilities. Always wanted a slant six and a Dodge. Hope to have a long future with this great Dodge! Jerry Lynch.

I think it has a 3 speed automatic , Torque Flite. Jerry

I am familiar with NDT inspection,, the material that you are using will definitely find a crack, if one exists. I believe that most slant six head cracks are in the vicinity of the valve seats, on the combustion face.
Good luck on your project and keep us posted.

Jerry Just change the fluids and Crank her up. wont hurt a thing. No real way to pump up the oil like a V8. I would remove the valve cover and pour the new oil over the valve train and down the push rod holes etc.
Most of the slants I have done this to are still running.
Frank

_________________
Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

Thanks everybody for the replies. This site has some good people! I remembered I made a pre-oiler to prime my flathead ford engines. Made it using an old oil pump , mounted in a 5 gal. bucket. Has a pressure gage and fittings on the end of clear plastic hose. An electric drill powers the pump. I may connect it up to the /6 using the oil pressure sender port. Coating the valves from the top sounds like a very good idea. Ten years is a long rest. Thanks again everybody, Jerry Lynch.

Jerry
If you can find an easy way to prime the oil please let us know.
Thanks,
Frank

_________________
Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

I've managed to crack a /6 head, so I know it can be done. The process involved ice in the lower radiator hose. Your plans for awakening the beast sound good.

The home made primer sounds like a great idea if you can get it to connect. You're right, the engine doesn't really care where the oil comes from as long as it's slick and clean. Take care not to overfill in the process.

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You can't fix stupid. - Ron White