I have a 2002 Ram 1500 4.7L Magnum VIN 1D7HA18N92J193063 with 225k miles. After driving it across country pulling a trailer (it was risky but I had no choice), it overheated and then will crank but not start. I had it towed and they said there was no compression and without tearing it down it is unlikely to know what the problem is. In order to save money, I am going to tear it down at least to the head gaskets and try to see if it is salvageable but if not, may have to replace engine and I am not sure it is worth it at that point. Any pointers on what to look for with this supposed no compression problem? Am I kidding myself trying to do this myself and it may be best to send it to the grave now? Any help is much appreciated!

Ben

 

May be as simple as failed timing chain, or some part of that system. Is it just one or two cylinders with no compression? Or all of them?

 

They didn't say...just said not holding compression possibly due to the overheat (though as soon as it overheated, I pulled over and turned it off so it wasn't long) and they said it would be $2k-$3k to get to the bottom of it and even then may need to swap the engine.

 

If it's one or two cylinders, may be dropped valve seats. (which might require an engine replacement to fix.) If it's all cylinders on one bank, or, all cylinders in general, that's likely just a timing chain issue, and might be a less expensive fix. Valve seats would be easy to check if the shop has a bore scope..... See if you can get more info, and fill us in.