Aloha everyone,
Just purchased a 2004 SRT-10 with under 20k millage. Got for a good price since their are issues with the motor.
Did a compression test yesterday and all plugs were black with carbon and many were wet with fuel. It also seems there is a fuel smell to the oil too.
The right or odd (1-9) bank side has noticeable lower compression. Seller believes there was a catastrophic failure that one of the CATS melted closed. Exhaust comes out the pipe but is noticeably less then the other side. Going to have to pull the head, guess possible head gasket issue. Wondering if anyone has had issues with the fuel rails and/or injectors?
Greatly appreciate any input or personal experiences. Need to get that this bad thing back on the road!

needs serious help

 

I would drop the exhaust on that side, right at the manifold, and retest. I would also try a wet test, and see if the numbers didn't jump significantly. If it is running rich (carbon fouled plugs, and oil that stinks like gas is a pretty good indicator here) that may have simply washed down the cylinder walls, to the point you aren't getting good ring seal.

 

Aloha and mahalo for your reply, which all makes sense to me. Will give that a shot!
Thanks again....