Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cold Sputters

[Woodenhead]

Hi



I've got the cold sputters again. When my trucks cold or even when it's warm but just started and I take off it'll sputter and cough white smoke. I had them a few years ago ater installing the 370's but setting the timing at 14. 5 seemed to cure it. Now it's back so I had the timing checked and it had slipped to 13. 5 so I had it set to 16. 5 deg. This time the timing didn't help at all so I'm wondering what it could be. The sputters seem to be getting constantly worse.



Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Turbo Thom]

Mines doing the same thing. When I find out what it is I'll let you know and you do the same. Mostly at startup for me. It just stumbles real bad and smokes. After 2 or 3 seconds it clears up. I've asked Jeff and he says it's not the return line. If it's hot, startups fine. I just don't know.



. . Preston. .

 

[CATCRACKER]

mine does the same thing after the 370's installed. my truck misses bad when i get over 2500rpms or when i am pulling a load and i am half way into the throttle have not figured the problem out yet.

 

[Woodenhead]

If you haven't had your timing checked then that may be the problem. Sometimes the timing will slip a degree or so over the years and cause the cold sputters. It's generally more pronounced with the 370's which is when most people notice it as a problem. Most times timing will fix the problem, it did for me for a couple years but now even with my timing at 16. 5 it's come back.

 

[The patriot]

Mine has sputters when cold, but it's when I step on it real hard for the first time of the day. Sputters and white smoke. I never step on a cold engine, my wife found this for me. It might have been like this since new??

After it's running, no probelm.

Eric



PS I have 370's and havent noticed a difference.

98 12 valve, 5 speed.

 

[Woodenhead]

I think it's getting worse. It used to only happend when cold and when you wind up a bit in 1st gear (no load on engine). Now it seams like it'll happend a mile down the road even in 2nd or 3rd gear when trying to load up the motor.



Aside from changing the fuel filter which is a bit out of date I can't think of anything else to try.



??



Mike

 

[Andy Redmond]

Overflow valve? Ck. your fuel psi.

 

[Hammer]

Have you guys checked or replaced the fuel return line as it will dry and crack allowing air into the fuel system and cause the symptoms said here???.

 

[CATCRACKER]

the fuel return line i know where it is how hard is it to change, what is involved and what parts will i need?



thanks

 

[Joe G.]

You should change both supply and return lines while you are at it. The supply line made be bad and leaking air into the system.



Removing the fuel filter and starter will help give you room to work. You can order good hoses and clamps from LarryB at http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm .

 

[Woodenhead]

Well I started loosing fuel from the return line again (replaced 2 years ago). I replaced the line and noticed it wasn't worn but just leaking from some pin holes in the dried out/cracked garbage fuel line. I replace the filter at the same time and was hoping this may cure the problem (it didn't). The lift pump and bypass valve are only about a year old so I'm guessing my fuel pressure is likely OK but I'll have to check it to be sure.



Looks like my next step is changing the supply line as mentioned above which if it's anything like the return line is a good idea anyway.



Thanks for the tips,

Mike