Abandoned Ram D250 Revival: The Engine Was Full of Water!

What happens when you try to revive an abandoned 1988 Dodge Ram D250 that’s been sitting in the woods so long a tree grew through the front bumper? You find two gallons of crystal-clear water inside the engine. We headed back out to the farm to rescue Rooster’s vintage Dodge Ram D250 with a 360 (5.9L) V8. With minimal tools, an adjustable hammer, and a boat gas tank, our goal was simple: see if this carbureted classic would fire up. But before we could even turn the key, pulling the dipstick revealed a major disaster. When we dropped the drain plug, it wasn’t motor oil that poured out—it was an estimated two gallons of straight water with zero oil in sight. Did rain get down the carburetor? Did someone fill it with a funnel? More importantly: did the water ruin the 360 V8, or can classic American iron survive the impossible? Watch the full rescue to see if this abandoned Dodge Ram fires up or fights us to the bitter end! Drop a comment below with your guess on how that much water got into the pan, and don't forget to like and subscribe to Twisted Rods for more barn finds, revivals, and driveway wrenching! Previously uploaded in 2024. 00:00 - Introduction: The Tree Growing Through the Bumper 00:45 - Fighting Through Spiders & Inspecting the Mint Interior 03:08 - Checking the 2010 Oil Change Sticker & Mileage 04:00 - Popping the Hood: 1988 Dodge 360 (5.9L) V8 Discovery 05:35 - Pulling the Dipstick: Straight Water in the Engine! 07:10 - Airing Up Rotten Tires & First Starter Bump 09:25 - Tapping the Starter with the "Adjustable Hammer" 12:40 - Returning to the Farm with Fuel Line & Boat Tank 16:15 - Draining the Engine: 2 Gallons of Water & NO Oil! 21:30 - How Did Water Get In? ("A Funnel?") 25:10 - Pouring in Fresh Oil & Fuel System Hookup 34:50 - Checking for Spark & Carburetor Priming 45:15 - First Cranking Attempts: Will It Fire? 58:30 - Troubleshooting Ignition & Carburetor Issues 1:12:00 - Bringing the 360 V8 Back to Life! 1:22:45 - Farm Rescue Wrap-Up & What’s Next for the D250