I was told my #3 Valve was stuck and that I would need a new engine, is this correct?

90

Asked by STLRAMS Jul 13, 2014 at 07:49 PM about the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4, it has 264,245 miles on it and I had to take it to my local mechanic. They told me that the #3 Valve was stuck and that I would need a new engine. Is this correct?
thanks
Phil

14 Answers

199,615

Stuck or dropped a valve? Can't see where a stuck valve would need a new engine but now if you dropped a valve I can see needing a new engine or at least it rebuilt. If I might ask --- what's your truck doing?

5 people found this helpful.
90

My Truck is not holding IDLE, Is starts but then is just kinda sputters and when I engage a gear it stop (engine dies). What do you mean dropped a valve? The term that the mechanic used was "Stuck" valve #3.

4 people found this helpful.
199,615

Dropped -- came loose from keeper and fell in on top of piston.

5 people found this helpful.
199,615

If you give it some gas will it rev up like its suppose to but when you let off the gas it just sputters and go dead?

4 people found this helpful.
90

so a stuck valve might not need a new or rebuilt engine. Also I forgot to say that there is some shaking when I start the truck. and I appreciate your help.

3 people found this helpful.
90

yes that is correct to your comment about giving it gas.

1 people found this helpful.
199,615

It all depends on why its stuck. If it's just carbon build up on the valve seats not allowing the valve to fully close a sea foam treatment thru the intake will most times clean them enough for them to reseat. But if you try this do it exactly like the can instructs you to. Auto shops would rather tear it down, clean and reseat the valves to fix this issue. It is probably the best way but some times the sea foam treatment will do exactly the same thing without all the costs at a shop. I have done the sea foam treatment on many occasions for sticking valves and have always had good luck doing it.

8 people found this helpful.
199,615

So giving it the gas it revs up like it is suppose too? No weird sounds or anything till you let off the gas? If so and if it was mine I would do a sea foam treatment on the intake. If it doesn't work you are only out about $12 for trying the sea foam. If it does work you just saved yourself the cost of a repair shop to tear it down or in your case replace the engine. I would definitely get another shop to look at it before you let the other guy stick you with a new engine.

5 people found this helpful.
199,615

Is your check engine light on? And what are the codes?

4 people found this helpful.
90

ok so I need to call the mechanic tomorrow and find out why the Valve is stuck. Hey I appreciate your help and input. Thanks Again

199,615

Have the codes read. This will also give you some clues to what's going on with it? Auto zone in most states will do it for free. If can't drive it they have a loaner reader that for a deposit you can use to read the codes. You get your money back when you return it un damaged.

3 people found this helpful.
90

OK Dan you have been a great help and given me some options as to how I will proceed. Once Again Thanks!

1 people found this helpful.

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