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?

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

Please tell me you get an oil change more than once a year.
That's what I thought when I saw that too...

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

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.

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.

Cool; any word from Chrysler on the engine?

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

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...

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.

Good point.....hopefully it was purchased new though....:p