Not sure about the hand picking, but I can validate the later years are worse than the early ones. Given the P38 last year was 2002 it would make sense the P38's woudl be better. Expect to pay a premim for a good 4.6, is it really worth 27hp? Not to me, my 2000's have towed everything I have needed to tow with no problem. You could always put your 4.6 internals in the 4.0 block.

 

All this motor talk is of course assuming that I do need a new motor. Prepare for the worst hope for the best.

I agree with you on probably not “needing” the power difference. I just like the idea of putting the best motor I can put in it and never having to deal with, or think about the motor again other than normal maintenance. But, my budget is limited and I’d rather spend as little as I can.

Do you know of any forum members that would be good to reach out to? Once I determine the issue and severity of the damage I’ll probably start a new thread.

 

I guess my main issue with a used motor is that while the 4.0's do seem to be better motors, there's always a chance of a used motor having a cracked block. Unless I was able to find a used one that could be pressure tested and inspected for cracks - which would require knocking out the liners - I'm not sure that I would want to put it in my truck. I know a block pressure test might show signs of a crack, but I have also heard that that is not always the case.

The price difference is obviously a huge deciding factor between the two. But, it's also much cheaper to only take the motor out once. Just my current thought process.

I've only owned the truck for a few months a I don't think I'm willing to sell it/ part it out yet, so that's not an option.

 

The guys seem to be more active on facebook than the forums. Often you can see the truck running before they pull it. Mike Sides/Tarheel Rover is in the Charlotte region, Will Tillerey is near me in Virginia, Doc Heydary is in Asheboro NC. There are several more in OH, PA, and NY but that is further away not closer to you. Shipping an engine via freight is usually about $150 fyi. Going rate for a 4.0 shortblock is about $300-400 I believe.

 

Awesome. Thanks! I’ll look them up on Facebook. Stay tuned for results on engine diagnosis soon...

 

As suspected the #3 injector is stuck wide open. Wiring is fine and seems to be working properly, it appears as though it is a defect with the injector. I purchased these through Injector Planet on eBay and have reached out to them about the issue.

The good news is that the motor turns over just fine and we think the next step is to install quality injectors, do an oil change, and try to crank her up.

 

And ... ? Any update?

 

We know the #3 injector failed and stuck open. So I guess avoid eBay refurbished injectors...

No update on the status of the truck. I bought new OE Bosch injectors. Mechanic has been backlogged but he should be getting the new injectors in today.

We’ll be doing an oil change before trying to start it.

Something really odd - the starter now sounds different. It sounds like the starter itself, I’m just confounded as to how what I described above could have hurt the starter.

 

Fuel injectors are certainly within my wheelhouse as far as being a DIY job, but I don’t have a place where I can work on the truck that is covered/indoors. So I’ve had to let the pro do it.

We just put a contract on a house with a two car garage so future projects like this will be doable without risking a summer shower while having the truck a part.

 

Did you ever rule out the ECU?

I ask because last week I pulled one out of an '03 truck at the local u-pull with the idea of keeping it as a spare. If it's something that might help maybe we can work something out.