New Member - 2018 RAM2500 - Timing Chain Gasket Leak

[Zrebiec]

Hello All,
2018 2500 RAM owner since 2022. Has the Cummins 6.7l and we love this truck. Hauls everything from horses to toys. Have had no issues with it until now, which is the main reason I am joining the forum. With 82,000 miles, it now has developed a timing chain gasket leak. Big job, dealer quote of $5,200+.
we are debating on a few things:
- Sell it
- Repair it at Dealer
- Repair it with a diesel, expert shop

We have no powertrain warranty or extended warranty on it.

Looking for suggestions and thoughts. And if there are any additional repairs to take advantage of while 'under the hood'.

Thanks!

 

[Nick]

I would find a reputable shop and get a quote . Unless you can sell it to someone with the skills to repair it you are gonna get screwed on a sale .

 

[johnmyster]

Some would say the 2018 is the last of the good ones. (Time will tell on 2025+.) If the truck fits your needs, it may well be worth the repair, especially if the fix comes with a warranty behind it. A 19-24 cummins would be susceptible to the same failure, plus valvetrain concerns...

On the bright side, you get a free valve lash adjustment out of the job. Add head studs while cam is out?

My only concern is that the job gets quoted as a flat rate repair and the tech doesn't take his time to do the job well. Larger "hour" jobs have that possibility...even/especially at the diesel specialty shops.

 

[Brutal_HO]

2018 is worth the repair if you want to hang onto the last of the iron block flat tappet engines.

FYI, it's either a timing gear case cover gasket (simple low cost job) or a timing gear case backing plate gasket. (there is no timing "chain" on a Cummins engine, it's gear driven) For the backing plate, they have to pull the cam and that requires pulling the front end or cab. I'd find a reputable shop for the repair.

 

[Brutal_HO]

That's a bummer about the timing chain gasket leak on your RAM. It's great you've had a reliable truck up until now. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

* Selling: You'd avoid the repair cost, but you'd also lose a truck you love and the potential value you've gotten out of it. You'd need to factor in the current market value and what you'd replace it with.
* Dealer Repair: This offers convenience and likely a warranty on the repair. However, the cost is the highest.
* Diesel Expert Shop: This could be a good balance of cost and expertise. Diesel specialists often have more experience with these engines and might offer a more competitive price.

Since you're already in there, consider:

* Water Pump: These often fail around this mileage.
* Thermostat: Cheap to replace while you're there.
* Belt and Tensioner: Preventative maintenance.

I'd get quotes from a few diesel shops and compare them to the dealer. Make sure to ask about their warranty on the repair. Good luck!

I'd listen to anyone else except an inaccurate AI Bot.