If the starter is engaging and turning the engine, I would recommend checking compression. If the timing is off, the compression will be low. Here is a link that shows how that is done. If we can determine it is off, I can help you through the process of replacing the timing chain. Here is a link that shows in general how it is done:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression
Here are the directions specific to your vehicle:
2007 Dodge Caliber L4-2.0L VIN B
Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
Vehicle Powertrain Management Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks Compression Check Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunctions.
Ensure the battery is completely charged and the engine starter motor is in good operating condition. Otherwise the indicated compression pressures may not be valid for diagnosis purposes.
1. Check engine oil level and add oil if necessary.
2. Drive the vehicle until engine reaches normal operating temperature. Select a route free from traffic and other forms of congestion, observe all traffic laws, and accelerate through the gears several times briskly.
3. Remove engine cover.
4. Disconnect coil electrical connectors and remove coils.
5. Remove all spark plugs from engine. As spark plugs are being removed, check electrodes for abnormal firing indicators fouled, hot, oily, etc. Record cylinder number of spark plug for future reference.
6. Disconnect injector electrical connectors.
7. Be sure throttle blade is fully open during the compression check.
8. Insert compression gauge adaptor 8116 or the equivalent, into the #1 spark plug hole in cylinder head. Connect the 0-500 psi (Blue) pressure transducer CH7059 with cable adaptors to the DRBIII(R). For Special Tool identification, (Refer to ENGINE - SPECIAL TOOLS).
9. Crank engine until maximum pressure is reached on gauge. Record this pressure as #1 cylinder pressure.
10. Repeat the previous step for all remaining cylinders.
11. Compression should not be less than 1034 kPa (150 psi) and not vary more than 25 percent from cylinder to cylinder.
12. If one or more cylinders have abnormally low compression pressures, repeat the compression test.
13. If the same cylinder or cylinders repeat an abnormally low reading on the second compression test, it could indicate the existence of a problem in the cylinder in question. The recommended compression pressures are to be used only as a guide to diagnosing engine problems. An engine should not be disassembled to determine the cause of low compression unless some malfunction is present.
As far as adjusting timing, you really can't do it. With older model vehicles, it could be done by turning the ignition distributor, but that is no longer an option.
Now, I would love to hear the noises you hear. Also, if the starter is engaging and turning the engine, please record it and upload it for me.
Let me know.
Joe
Thursday, December 31st, 2020 AT 9:49 AM
(Merged)
