Hey yall all help and criticism wanted

[CheetoBandito]

Hey yall. Just want to start this thread with I’m a locksmith. I made a key for this 97 Ram 2500 5.9. Made the key for it and it started right up- straight piped- sounded nasty. Guy didn’t want to pay the 150 for the key make so he gave me the title. Crazy I know (I told him the price beforehand, but I also had to go unlock another truck for him for $85) So I’m thinking I’ll make this a project truck for me and my son. Well got it towed to the house and realized how bad of shape this thing is and won’t start. I’ve done basic work on my tacomas but never a V8. Researched it’s a great platform but any help on getting this thing going would help. Changed battery, has spark. I put two gallons of gas in it but the light is coming on. Any advice would be sweet. Thanks guys

 

[BenchTest]

Cranks over, won't fire up? Getting fuel to the rail? Fuel pressure?

 

[tron67j]

Fuel filter clogged? Could do a Roadkill Garage episode and try some things like starting fluid to see if it fires at all. Plugs okay past one sparking? See above for fuel problem possibilities. Don't fire the parts cannon at it, walk through things to see what works. Any codes?

 

[MeatCurtains]

If I have a crank no fire I check the suck squeeze bang blow.

Are you getting fuel? Does it have strong consistent spark on all cylinders? Does it have compression? Does it have a coked up throttle body or sticking valves? These kind of things.

It started once and not again. I'd suspect fuel. Either a weak or dying pump or fuel lines or filter. Bad fuel as well if it was sitting.

 

[PdPuNOme]

Lucky for you the 2nd gen is basic vs newer generations. Going to take time to diagnose properly, but like others stated always stick to the basics to guide you, air, fuel, spark.
I had a 97 1500 with the 5.9, so same other than frame/suspension that sat for years prior to buying and took a lot to get going again then sold to my brother-in-law which it continued to sit and then would not run again. The fuel system was always the issue and ultimately replaced all the lines, tank and pump. I also replaced the cats that was another main part of my issues that I was too ignorant to check, so one day said f it and tossed in the cheapest aftermarket kit I could find and well it has been a great truck since. I would start with the fuel system as the pumps are notorious for weakening and dyeing let alone all the leaks from the age anything rubber inline.

 

[PdPuNOme]

And by the way, even if you don't get it running you made out, scrap value is more than you would have gotten originally so that's worst case. I would have taken too.

 

[Grams]

Sign a blank check and hand it to the dealer.

 

[JJEH]

Heck of a deal.

 

[alpinegreenneon]

150 for a plain non-transponder L series key is ridiculous. Sounds like you are a thief not a locksmith.