Dodge: Dodge Ram 2500 motor problem, dodge ram 2500, chevy 350

Question
Hi,

I own a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 truck that has 120,000 miles on it. I've taken very good care of it and it stalled out on me the other day and when restarted, sounded like it was running on 6 cylinders. The dealer said it has 0 compression in #7 cylinder and it is possibly a broken valve spring or valve. I was charged $225.00 for this. They did not even remove the valve cover. What are my options? Is repair of this motor worth it or should I look at a new motor? Thank you,

Joe  

Answer
Joe,
Sorry to hear they took your money for just an opinion,But the truth is they are probably right.I had a valve spring on a chevrolet break on me and it started skipping really bad.And if the cylinder has no compression,it's more than likely the problem.120,000 miles is not really a lot of miles if you've kept the oil changed and tuned up regularly.Which if it is a valve spring and you replace all the valves and springs with labor probably would be as cheap in the long run to just replace the engine.Even an engine overhaul sometimes is not as good as the rebuilt crate engines(depending on who does the work)because of the warranty they come with.I found a site on internet that has engines with a 7 year 70,000 mile warranty.I know because i ordered a chevy 350 for my mother-in-laws van.The price was around $1200.00 excluding shipping.