TPS or Mass Air Flown
DakotaPU93@aol.com wrote:
>Hi DML -
>I am the original owner of a 1993 Dodge Dakota, 3.9L, V6, 5-speed
>with ~ 185K miles.
>
>This past summer my truck started hesitating. Towards the fall it got
>progressively
>worse but still very drivable with backfiring coming from I believe the #5
>cylinder.
>Shortly thereafter and with the onset of the below freezing temps in the
>Northeast it
>would stall in the morning if not warmed up.
>
>Below is a detailed explanation of the SYMPTOMS + a log of the maintenance I
>have performed as well as a private garage.
>
>Thanks for your help...
>
>When the truck is first started up after sitting all night it hesitates and
>backfires.
>Just recently it also has been stalling when coming to a stop. Then it
>either starts or takes 5 minutes to restart.
>If I rev the engine when coming to a stop it doesn't stall.
>If I get on the highway during the first 5 - 8 minutes (before warm-up) it
>actually sounds as if the engine cuts in and out as if gas is not getting to
>the engine or being blocked.
>
>After 5 - 8 minutes of driving the engine is usually OK. Only minor
>hesitation, and backfiring - NO more stalling.
>
>I'm wondering if my fuel injectors are shot? Or if my timing is off?
>Or something else?
>
>I performed the following maintenance over the past months to hopefully
>improve the performance but none seemed to have helped.
>
>The problem initially started in the May/June 2002 timeframe but not that
>noticeable. It has gotten progressively worse.
>
>I drive ~ 15,000 miles a year.
>
>Oct 1, 2001 spark plugs, air filter
>
>July 28, 2002 replaced fuel filter
>tried 2 applications of STP fuel injector cleaner
>
>Sep 14, 2002 replaced cap, rotor, wires, PCV Valve, Breather Element
>
>Nov 30, 2002 tried another application of STP fuel injector cleaner
>
>I checked my check engine codes and they dont indicate any problems.
>
>After having no other ideas I brought it to a garage this past week.
>Their computer said my fuel pressure was 51 pounds, I guess it should have
>been inbetween 28 and 32 pounds. He changed the fuel pressure regulator and
>the retest
>indicated the fuel pressure is in the correct range now. He also
>administered a
>fuel injection cleaning with a professional machine (hooked it to the fuel
>line, disconnected fuel pump, etc) Also included in that was cleaning of the
>throttle plate and idle control.
>The result is that the backfiring situation is much better, it will still
>occasionally backfire but not as severe or as often. The stalling after a
>cold start and hesitation and rough running on highway are still evident.
>
>Other bits of info: Original muffler and original catalytic converter
>
>Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
>Thanks, Kev
>
>
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