Uhhhh...there's no MAF Meter on the Dodge truck engines (MAF = Mass
AirFlow Meter).
Kevin,
Have you checked the heads yet? They are prone to cracking in between
the intake and exhaust valve seats and (sometimes) also crack at the
guide causing a stumble or backfire. Once the engine is warmed up...the
stumble normally goes away. Primarily noticed when cold. A compression
check and cylinder leak-down test would be in order.
185K on the factory cat? (Uhhh...you may want to think about changing
that out and the O2 sensor as well.)
- Bernd
----- Original Message -----
>
> >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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