I posted the other day about a cooling system issue, faint heater in an 02 Ram 1500. 4.7 ltr, has run fine with minimal issues. a few check engine lamps over the years but most trivial. Got a similar/same warning last week after an addition of prestone flush due to heater lack. Saturday am she sounded locked up, decided try battery jump, turned over and clack sound. Followed by easy crank and no fire in sight. At first assumed the engine was seized andgave up hope for 24 hrs, I think the timing chain broke ore (jumped) later poss as it tries to fire and huffs for lack of a better explntn. Cranks really easy, no sign of fire, brown foam under oil fill cap yet no sign of milk n dip stick (same froth at cap for 70k now) very mild. Not an issue imo. The engine seemed froze, with battery assist turned over, heard chance of fire and clANK, FOLLOWED BY EASY TURN SO HINT OF FIRE....

Advice on checking points to start with, please... no dist rotor tells me pull the VC's to verify main T chain not broken, and verify followers on the hills. HT-Verify TDC advice would be very helpful...

TIA- Bobby

 

First the "stupid question": How cold is it where you live? and did you use an antifreeze capable of sustaining those temps?

I am a little confused... you said a few times that it doesn't crank, then all of a sudden it does...?

I suppose it's possible that the timing chain broke, but it's not exactly probable...

If you are hearing a "clank" that isn't normal then it is possible the starter motor might have failed, or is misaligned for whatever reason?

Also did you use a HOAT rated antifreeze?