No compression after timing chain replaced

Asked by Eron May 08, 2020 at 07:43 PM about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 ST 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2003 dodge ram 1500 5.9L hemi 185k miles. Had
small leak in water pump (truck ran strong) replaced
water pump and when we went to start it the timing
gear on the cam broke. Took to mechanic and they
replace gear and timing chain. Tried to turn it over
and no compression. He checked gear alignment,
valve springs, and rotor. All are right but tested 5 of
8 cyl and zero compression. Can this be fixed or
will it need a new engine?

1 Answer

101,755

If they're 100% certain the timing is correct, and sprockets aren't misaligned, then lack of compression is most likely due to the head gasket. You've already put a bunch of money into repairs, may as well pull the heads and look. If you really want to go al out, replace the head gaskets and throw a basic rebuild kit in there (rings, bearings, gaskets).

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