cltrailer

I have a 1999 Dodge Stratu 2.4l DOHC. I just bought ther car, so I don't know the history, kinda a pig in a poke. It was obvious the timing belt was bad because it was in a rats nest. I changed it and while there I replaced the water pump. I noticed the water pump was leaking from the rust line undeneath it. I put it back together and would not start. Double checked the timing marks and they appear to be fine. I did a compression test. Cylinder 1 & 4 are about 60 to 80psi. cylinder 2 & 3 have ZERO compression. I suspect either bad head or head gasket. I have read that this engine is NOT the innerferance engine, so I don't think the valves are bent. I put a spark plug into cylinder 3 to plug the hole and still no (ZERO) compression in cylinder 2. Any suggestions? What do you think the problem is?? I'm thinking it also, at some time, overheated and blew the head gasket, but I would think you would have some compression, at least 10 or 20 psi, especially with a spark plug in #3.

rhandwor

Put some oil in the cylinder and retest if the compression comes up the rings are bad. Pull the valve cover a broken valve spring will cause it to loose compression. A bad cam shaft will also cause problems. Talk to a machine shop in your area they will help you with information and parts.