Update...bad news :(

[-al-]

99 ram 2500. 79k miles. Been running great, but last night it died while driving. Tried to restart and runs very rough and smelling fuel. Had it towed to a garage, and they found 7 cyl running 60lbs compression and 1 at zero. Took valve cover off and saw a broken valve spring. Must have jumped time? Mechanic said the dodges use a plastic gear for the timing chain and they go often. Anyone else had a similar problem?

[-al-]

Wanted to add that a valve is bent (the one that has the broken spring)

[imtheoneandonlyD]

yikes, sorry to hear the bad news. Do you have an estimate on how much to fix it?

[-al-]

No $ estimate yet, but they said 8 hrs to do timing gears & chain. Plus the 8 hrs allready spent plus the tow. Probably looking at $1200 or so. I wonder if this would be covered under a Dodge warrenty?

[fredjacksonsan]

Pretty close on the warranty.....if you have the 7/70 then Chrysler may help out a bit, but don't count on it. Definitely worth looking into, especially if you've had it regularly serviced @ the dealer.

[-al-]

No, have not had it regularly serviced at the dealer - maybe once a year for a check out/oil change. I am going to try anyway ...cant hurt to try. I am just so shocked to have a timing chain/gear/valve/spring fail at 79k when I really baby the motor on this truck. Never rev it out or anything like that.

[imtheoneandonlyD]

Originally Posted by -al-

No, have not had it regularly serviced at the dealer - maybe once a year for a check out/oil change. I am going to try anyway ...cant hurt to try. I am just so shocked to have a timing chain/gear/valve/spring fail at 79k when I really baby the motor on this truck. Never rev it out or anything like that.

Please tell me you get an oil change more than once a year.

[BleedDodge]

Originally Posted by imtheoneandonlyD

Please tell me you get an oil change more than once a year.

That's what I thought when I saw that too...

[fredjacksonsan]

Me, too. I'll be interested to see how this comes out.

[neon_rt]

The once a year oil change would explain the engine having problems.

I change my oil every 6,000 miles (Mobile 1), at 3,000 I change the filter and top it off, at 6,000 it gets a complete oil/filter change.

[-al-]

I change the oil every 3500 miles like clockwork, but I bought the truck with 69k on it so no idea what the previous owner did.

[fredjacksonsan]

Cool; any word from Chrysler on the engine?

[-al-]

I dont know where to start...should I call the dealer or dodge directly to get warentee info?

[fredjacksonsan]

Start at the dealer, escalate to Chrysler. They've got resolution processes in place for it.

First step will be to see if you had the 7/70 or the 7/100 powertrain warranty; I know it changes back and forth once and awhile. If you have the 7/100 you are golden. 7/70, will have to work it. Be prepared to show records for service, and oil changes if you have them.

Good luck...

[neon_rt]

The factory warranty doesn't apply to a second owner unless a warranty transfer form and $150 fee is paid by the new owner.
At least that was the case a few years ago when I bought a used Dodge.