Serious Problems

[minary]

So my wife ran the 4.7 litre in my 01 Durango out of water and drove it till it shut itself off. TWICE. I replaced the thermostat, filled the radiator, and started her up. Ding, the check engine light is on and seems to be a major compression problem. You step on the gas and it sounds like it is chugging. Had the local auto part store do a diagnostic check, it came up P0301 (#1 cyl misfire). Changed the plugs, started her up, same thing. Pulled the coil pack off #1 and #7 and switched them. No change and same fault code. Had the chemical test done, no leaks. There is no water in the oil or blowing out the exhaust.
I am no mechanic but I believe this may be a valve problem. There is no smoke coming out the exhaust either. My question is, should I pull it apart and have a valve job done or take it in to have it all done? I have a basic mechanical knowledge and have access to any of the tools I may need and the facilities to do the work. The problem is $. Is it cheaper for me to do part of it myself or spend the money and have a pro do it?
Also, does anyone have a pdf file to show a tear down so I can do it myself?
Any input is greatly appreciated.

Scott

[chris4x4]

Have you checked the fuel injector for that cyl.?

[minary]

Have you checked the fuel injector for that cyl.?
No I haven't. I have no idea how to or what to look for. I forgot to mention that when I pulled the old plugs the annode on all the plugs was worn except on the #1 cylinder plug.

[rockadaous]

man that does sound serious. Hope it works out for you. You've done everything I would suggest all ready. Do you have any warrenty left? that would help with the $$$$$ if you could convince them it wasn't your fault. good luck

[minary]

No, unfortunately(and go figure) I turned down the extended warranty. And a trip from PA to Ca then back to ME add up quick.

[rockadaous]

No, unfortunately(and go figure) I turned down the extended warranty. And a trip from PA to Ca then back to ME add up quick.
I hope everything works out for ya. wish I could find an easy fix for ya. I know how it feels to have your vehicle down.

[mopar rt]

Number one miss fire could be a big time vacuum leak. I would check for cracked vacuum hoses or a bad intake manifold gasket. If she got hot enough to shut down it could have taken out the gasket.

An easy way to check for vacuum leaks is to start the engine and let it idle. Using a spray bottle filled with water start spraying very lightly around the intake gasket area and look for bubbles or foam. You can do the same on hoses or the throttle body gasket.

If the leak is large enough you will also hear an increase in engine RPM when the water comes in contact with a bad area.

Hope this helps!

[minary]

Hey, thanks for the help all. Gonna check the vacuum and gaskets tomorrow. Will let ya know what happens.

Scott

[minary]

Well, get this. Had the local dealership check it out. Told them I thought a valve was stuck. The manager calls me back the next day and let's me know that they didn't even pull the valve covers off because as soon as the mechanic started it he heard a knock in the bottom of the engine. He said they wanted to order me a long block and install it. Total cost for parts and labor, $8,???.00.
Riiiiigggghtt. So I found a place in LA to rebuild it for $2600.00. Took it to my local military hobby shop after getting my Hayne's manual(BTW-the manual for 99-02or03 Durango's is now complete, only through Hayne's as Chilton doesn't heave it and you need to call and special order it) and pulled the engine. Once I had the engine out I started to strip it to long block form.
Guess what? I pulled the valve covers off and the rocker for #1 cylinder was laying on it's side. So now I had already paid to have the engine rebuilt and FEDEX was coming to pick it up. Decision time. I figured something must have caused it so I sent it anyway.
I talked to the guy that did the rebuild and he let me know that the missing rocker was the only problem. There were a couple gasket that probsbly would have went sometime down the rode but no time soon.
Nice huh? Over $3000.00 dollars later I now have a 3 year 80,000 mile warranty. Good news is I have the intense performance cold air Z tube 9" intake sitting at home waiting and a Flowamaster Super 40 on the way.

Maybe I will let my wife have the Jeep and I'll take the Durango.
:moon:
Scott

[minary]

Well figured I would give an update. The Durango is up and running. Put the cold air on and had a Flowmaster 40 put on also. Runs like a champ and sounds great. Thanks for all the help.
Scott

[GOON'S D]

Glad to hear that everything thing worked out for ya. I am also planning on going with IP z tube cold air and the Flowmaster Super 40 exhaust. How much did tht run you?

[kaui56]

damn stealership...i would be pissed...have you told them about it? glad to hear you got your d running.

[minary]

Glad to hear that everything thing worked out for ya. I am also planning on going with IP z tube cold air and the Flowmaster Super 40 exhaust. How much did tht run you?

I don't remember what the Z tube cost but it was exactly what is listed on the website. They forgot to send the plate to me that the collapseable hoe attaches to the fender well, so check the parts as soon as you get it. I talked to the exhaust place that put my muffler on, they said there really isn't any difference between the 40 and the SUPER 40 other than price. he said unless you are trying to drop your ET's it won't make that much difference. I got the 40 single in single out instsalled for $156.00