RE: New Guy Trying to Save an Old Dakota

From: Walt@Walt-n-Ingrid.Com
Date: Fri Oct 29 2004 - 10:12:11 EDT


Just north of Toronto, Eh!!! Excellent! If we can get your truck running, it
has definite BBQ potential.

I had problems with the pickup in the distributor (pseudo crank sensor) and had
a different symptom. The truck would run and randomly shut off and not restart
for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes it would take 5 minutes, other times it took
hours between stall outs. Anyhow, what I’m hearing doesn’t sound like the same
symptom I was experiencing. I would definitely reseat the electrical
connections and check the fuel pressure. Because it starts then stalls after a
few seconds, I’m leaning towards a fuel issue. Do you hear the pump pressurize
the system when you first turn the key to the on position?

Walt
88 Dakota Sport 4x4 (MudTruck)
96 Dakota SLT 4x4 (PlowTruck)

Walt@Walt-n-Ingrid.Com
http://www.Walt-n-Ingrid.Com

In article <KMELJGLPJPJOIKPNOLMDIEFCCGAA.bsquash442@rogers.com>,
bsquash442@rogers.com ("Mike Fox") writes:
>
>
> Thanks for the welcome Tom, I checked out your website and I think I'll pass
> on the carwash for now.
> All I did to the fuel was pump out the tank thru the pump drain fitting,
> refill with new gas (94 octane) and crank it for a minute with the fuel line
> off at the throttle body. There may still be a bit of water in there but it
> actually ran better on the old gas when I first started it. I also put an
> extra fuel filter in-line to make sure I am catching everything and I put
> some water remover in the old fuel before I pumped it out. Old fuel was
> yellow & smelly but its pumping nice and clear now. Is there any way to
> check for fuel contamination without dropping the tank? I'm a bit leery of
> taking the bed off because I don't really have anywhere to put it right now
> and I'm sure the fasteners are seriously rusty (everything else is).
> Cap and rotor are brand new. Wires were pretty new before the truck was
> parked and look to be fine. I will check the ECM connections, but none of
> this was disconnected. Distributor pick-up is defiantly a question, is there
> any way to check this? Is there anyway to replace or clean it without
> replacing the whole distributor? I had some problems with the dist pick-up a
> year before I parked it. It took a long time to figure out and I just
> replaced the distributor with a j-yard one. Maybe it's shot again.
> The block to firewall ground is good. The one that I forgot to connect is
> the large ground that is in with the main harness. It connects to the same
> spot on the block as that strap you mentioned.
> I haven't checked fuel pressure with a gauge, I guess I should. Injectors
> seem to be spraying OK. Timing has definitely been screwed with but I did
> get it running long enough to see that it is at least close to where it
> should be.
> Tomorrow I will check some of the things you suggested. Any further advice
> will be appreciated.
>
> Mike
>
> Oh yeah, I will get some pics this weekend if I can borrow a digital camera.
> I am located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada (just north of Toronto) maybe you
> could drop by and have a look (just kidding).
>
> thanks again
>
>
>
>
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>
>
>
>
>
> AHhhhhh A fellow Gen I premagger 4x4 owner! YOU ARE WORTHY!!!
>
> Welcome to the DML - I'm Tom - In addition to being the Official
> "DMBDoMPfIWUMOT" -- I'll also be your official DML Truck Wash
> representative. Allow me to welcome you to the DML by giving your truck
> a thorough washing :)
>
> (cough) anyway... you said you took the time to "flush the old gas out
> of the system" - Just how did you do this? I would recommend visually
> examining the interior of the fuel tank and hand cleaning it if
> necessary. Best way to do this is to pull the bed off. You would be
> surprised how familiar your "runs and then stalls immediately after"
> description is - to having water contaminated fuel. Been there done
> that - half a dozen times with two trucks.
>
> Couple suggestions I can think of off the top of my head. Check fuel
> for water contamination. That's the first thing I would do.
>
> Check condition of the spark plugs, cap, rotor, wires. Check the
> electrical connections at the ECM on the passenger side fender. Distrib.
> pick up coil could also cause it to have problems.
>
> There is a firewall-to-block engine ground that connects to the
> firewall, directly to the left of the ignition coil and bolts to the
> passenger side cyl head at the rear of the head. Is this the ground you
> said you reattached?
>
> As long as its getting the proper fuel pressure and the ignition system
> is operating even halfassed - and the timing hasn't been screwed with -
> it should run. Aside from having a dead ECM, poor ignition components,
> or fuel problems - there is not much that will keep a premagger from
> running, but lots can start to deteriorate when a truck sits outside in
> the elements - neglected for so long.
>
> Feel free to contact me anytime... at SilverEightynine (AIM or Yahoo) or
> shoot me an email off list at SilverEightynine@aol.com
>
> I wanna see some pics!! Got any? BTW - - where are you located
> geographically?
>
> --
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Attention Infidels: I am your official DBDoMPfIWUMOT!
> Terrible Tom -- AIM & Yahoo Name: SilverEightynine
> http://members.aol.com/silvereightynine/
>
>



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