The cap and rotor are now changed. Didn't fix the problem. While the cap was off, I checked out the cam sensor. Looked o.k, but it was just a visual inspection. I noticed that the fuel line does not stay pressurized. Is it supposed to? For example, I'll get it started and then shut it off, wait for about 10 minutes or so and then pull out the fuel line going into the fuel rail. There is no fuel there, just drips. If I remember correctly, the last time I pulled the fuel line out there was a significant amount of pressure to where fuel squirted everywhere. Fuel pump related issue? Also, I did pull a plug out after trying to start and there is fuel on the plugs? I'm totally lost at this point.

 

sounds like the check valve in the fuel pump is gone... there is supposed to be a valve that keeps the pressure up that works with the regulator. either the valve or the regulator are not working properly. my bet is it's the regulator. put a fuel pressure guage on it and check.

 

Damn! Just filled the tank completely up a few days ago. So you're saying even though there is fuel pumping, due to a defective regulator or check valve there is not enough constant fuel pressure to start up and keep it running? I just changed that fuel pump about a year ago. Granted it wasn't brand new, but figured it would last longer than a year. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

the regulator and pump are 1 assembly, and you cannot change one component out that I'm aware of. put a guage on it and see what's going on with it. I had a guage on my truck last summer and it held 40psi or greater for over 10 minutes.

Here's a link to the dodge manual, see what it says as far as how long it'll keep fuel pressure up.

service manual

 

Well, I found the problem. Got my compression tester and cylinders 1,3,5, and 7 have 0 compression. Also, now I notice there is oil on those cylinder spark plugs. Damn it! Just to double check, would it be just the head gasket or is the head itself that crapped out.

 

I'd double check it... sounds like something went wrong while you were doing the test, to have 4 cylinders all at 0 psi doesnt sound right and the motor probably wouldnt run at all

 

Actually, I just tested 1 and 3, but pulled out the plugs for 5 and 7 and had oil just the same. When the motor is cranking, the gauge will jump up and down from 120 to 0. Once I stop cranking it'll stay at 0. Also, there is alot of oil on the plugs.

 

ok, one of two things can be going on here... for a sanity check, check the compression on the other bank of 1 of the cylinders and make sure your compression guage is working properly. I had a valve leak on me and it was giving me false readings (the valve in the hose connected to the guage. I replaced it with another one and it was all good after that. dirt or something got in there.

with all the oil on the plugs, almost sounds like you have a blown plenum gasket causing the problem. look down the throttle body for oil on the bottom of the intake. if it is clean (realatively speaking... no oil pooling on the bottom), it'll have a brownish color to it even if it's not leaking, you'll have found your problem.

It seems unlikely to me that you'd loose compression in all 4 cylinders on 1 head unless you blew your gasket, then you'd have water in the oil (most of the time) or be overheating easily.