Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Bad injector pump?

[GROBBINS]

I am new to TDR and to diesel engines, so please bear with my ignorance. I have been having a problem in the past several months that has been progressively getting worse. It is a 97' with the 12 valve, auto transmission. It started when I was backing a loaded trailer, I let off the gas and the engine killed. I didn't think anything about it, assumed that it was bad fuel, replaced the filter and thought I fixed it. Then a couple months past and I started noticing that if I floored it quick and then let off the gas the engine would immediately kill. Now, if I pull up to a stop light with the transmission in drive, the engine rpm will drop below 300 rpm to almost 0, cycle between the two for a few seconds and then kill. It won't start until I give it a little gas. Once I put it in drive it starts the rpm fluctuation again until I am on the gas and accelerating. At every stop sign or light, I have to put the transmission in neutral to avoid the engine killing. If the A/C is on or my steering wheel is cranked its hard to keep the engine running while stopping or turning. I have starting to drive with two feet just to keep the engine running while maneuvering. I would love any information that would help me make my truck more reliable and not an embarrassment. Thanks a million! Gabe

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

How about some info on exactly what year truck you have, as well as any other specifics, so those who would LIKE to help aren't simply shooting in the dark...



It appears you have an automatic transmission - anything else that might help?

 

[Signal73]

If were dealing with a 94-98 12 Valve, when you mention the aggressive throttle and then you let up and it dies sounds like the symptoms of needing an Idle adjustment. Try going into your user Control panel and filling out your signature so It shows up on the bottom of your post. Year,Model, engine, modifications should be listed in there. . 12V P7100 pumps rarely die FWIW.

 

[Joe G.]

It certainly sounds like a low idle problem. Check the Idle Problems thread below for how to adjust the idle.

 

[onstottc]

I had problems similar to yours until I bumped the idle up to about 1100 rpm.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If you need to set the idle to 1100 to solve the problem that tells me there's something else going on.

 

[GROBBINS]

I hope it is just an idle adjustment, that would seem to be an easy remedy. Thanks for the info and time to respond.

 

[marksmith]

Set your idle to 800 +/- when its in drive with the ac on.



Mine idles almost 1000 until I drop it into gear.

 

[GROBBINS]

Thanks Guys! I hope to dig into her one of these nights and raise the idle. I will be putting a starter in also so I have my work cut out for me. Hopefully all goes well!

Thanks again for the help.

 

[vssman]

G'



I agree, it sounds like a low idle. What's wrong with the starter? They 'typically' are pretty good except for the contacts which are prone to wear. There is a vendor with oversize contacts on this site to solve the problem - also a lot cheaper than the entire starter. Harderst part of the whole job is breaking those darn 12pt starter bolts loose.

 

[GROBBINS]

Starter has a dead spot. I get nothing except a click. Then I bring the key back and try it again then it usually fires over. It is very periodic, while adjusting my idle I took off and replaced my fuel filter, and in that process I drenched my starter on accident. Ever since it has been more reliable, wierd huh? Thanks for your help!

 

[Joe G.]

It's almost always the contracts when there is a starter problem. You can get a kit to install heavy duty contacts at http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm .

 

[GROBBINS]

Thanks Joe, I just ordered the contacts now. Thanks for all your info. Gabe