440 is ill

[dodgemahal]

I bought a 1977 dodge D200 crew cab with a 440 that has 120,000 miles on it. It was not running when I bought it.....Probably sat for a long time. After upgrading the starting and ignition systems I went to start it and it was spitting gas up thru the Carb(Edelbrock 1406). I did a compression test on all cylinders and #3 was only 65 psi. The rest were 125/115/125/125/118/108/90. After removing the head from the left bank to check out cyl #3 I saw the piston top was coated with a thick crust of carbon and soot. Is this because of broken or worn out rings? None of the valves looked hammered in(sunken). Have not removed right head yet. I was originally thinking that one or more intake valves were stuck open that caused it to spit back up thru the carb. BTW, did not start. Any thoughts on this are much appreciated.
One more thing: is 5000-6000 ohms per foot on ignition wires too much?Thanks.

[Dodgevanman]

Sounds to me like the engine is just plain tired.

[DiverDwnPowrRam]

yes that # 3 is a show stopper, but at least you found out now instead of the old method...hearing a clunk. Do rebuild and you will feel better after it starts.

[Speed Dragon]

Yeah I think as long as you got it halfway torn apart, I'd go ahead and pull it right out and go through it. #3 could have stuck rings causing low compression. I'd have the heads done too. Hopefully you won't have to bore the block, just hone it and install new rings/bearings/etc.

[RAM MAN]

here's an idea:

http://440source.com/