Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Runs Very Rough

[Bob Hart]

When Starting The Eng Cold It Is Running Very Rough And Stalls A Lot. 1998 12 Valve.

Any Ideas?

 

[Joe G.]

Idle is probably too low.

 

[bmoeller]

Yep, that'd be my guess. http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/adjustments/2nd_Gen-Idle.htm

 

[Bob Hart]

The idle is as it has been for yrs. This just started

 

[Joe G.]

The idle tends to slow down over time. I think it is because of a little wear where the adjustment screw hit the lever. I've had to set mine up about three times.

 

[gary12744]

Make sure that your heater element is working, ie, does your volt meter vary when you first start the engine?? If not maybe the element or the relay is bad.

 

[Andy Redmond]

Bad Fuel? Fuel filter restriction?



Fuel psi (lift pump or overflow valve) and or injection pump timing (white smoke and stumbles under snap accelerator tests/reving at idle after engine warms up some) . Pressure s/b 20 @ idle and 25+ @ rated rpm.



Squeeze return line hose softly with smooth pliers, does the fuel psi go up? If so, ov. valve is bleeding off to soon and requires replacement

Pressure stays the same? Lift pump weak.



Also ck. return line. .

BTW, 5/16" return line about 7" long. Runs along/under intake manifold behind the fuel filter housing connects to metal piping from intake manifold side of head on one end and the hard piping on the other end.





If you are in a climate where grid heaters would work of a chilly am, this is a possibility too, which was prev. good advice you now know.



Good luck and let us know what you find. Andy

 

[JPittinger]

Andy- Could you post a link to the nice pic? I'm trying to replace the 3's and can't find a good description. Thanks, JJ