Just got a 1983 Power Ram 50 with a 4d55 in it, have a few questions

Hey I just picked up a 1983 D50 with a 4d55 in it. It needs a few things like a new radiator and other little things. I have been reading up on these motors and I saw something about putting a 4d56 head on it. I was looking at them on ebay but not sure which one to buy. Also what are some other performance things I can do to it to get a little more power? It feels like it takes years to get from 0-60.
I would also like the rebuild the motor at some point but cant find parts anywhere but ebay and I would like to stay away from Chinese stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Welcome! The only rebuild kits I've seen are on ebay. The Federal Mogul kit seems to be the best bet. I ordered my 4D56 head fromy eBay and it shipped from Australia, it seems to be good quality. Keep in mind since you have a 1983 4d55 head you will also need new injectors. I have a gutted exhaust to a 5" stack, cold air intake, and turned up injection pump.

The 1983 injectors are a different size and wont just fit into a 4D56 head. The previous owner had put a 4D56 head on my truck and changed out the injectors so I got lucky when I bought my new head. Now I've got a spare one!

I want to check my compression. I have never done it on a diesel before. How do I do it? I figured I would ask and see if anyone could point me in the right direction before I just try to figure it out myself. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!

Hey Nic, testing the compression on a diesel motor it is very similar to testing compression on a gas motor. The major difference is the amount of compression. A good tight engine in these trucks will create about 140-150 psi. The the 4d55 I'm not completely sure of its ideal range but most diesels are 320-400 psi. So you'll need a high pressure gauge and the proper fitting to screw into your injectors. Most diesels guys will just check for blow by in the crankcase to see how much air is making it past the rings.

How do I check for blow by? I have done the oil filler cap trick but are there other ways?

Turns out I need to rebuild the motor. What is the best rebuild kit for it? It needs to include new sleeves? Is there anything else I should replace while I am at it?

How was it determined that the motor needs rebuilding?

Pulled the head off and all 4 cylinders are scored up real bad

Oh... yeah that's usually a pretty clear sign.
Good luck my friend! Sounds like you have good times ahead.

Does anyone know where I can get the parts in the US? I really would rather not order something from the Philippines and have to wait a month to get it. I want the best quality parts I can get so I don't have to do this again for a very long time. Also what is the deal with the liners in the block? How hard are they to remove and install new ones? Would it be cheaper to just have the block machined and cylinders bored? Also how do I determine if i have a 4d55 or 4d56 head? The head I pulled off of it looks like it is not the one that came on it stock. It is Suspiciously clean..

Any help is greatly appreciated, Thanks so much!

Anyone?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Deutz-BF4M10...xXIMVB&vxp=mtr
probably only thing you will find in this country

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Federal-Mogu...dWsCXk&vxp=mtr
though it is in the philly, they list the mitsu part numbers, might be able to call Federal and see if they can track down the parts in USA