Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Surging Power in a 1996

[Bernie]

A friend is looking a purchasing a 1996 Ram, CTD, Manual transmission, 225k miles. The power "surges" at low RPM.



It seems like a fueling problem to me. I have no experience with the 12 Valve or what their fuel system is like. IS there a lift pump on them? What else are the problem areas to look at?

 

[12Vmudder]

Check to see if it has aftermarket injectors... I just installed 370's in mine last week and I notice a small power surge at low RPM's with them that I didnt have before hand

 

[Bernie]

All stock, no mods. The surging is like a bucking. Very difficult to modulate the clutch to get it smooth.

 

[Ahopper]

has he changed the fuel filter? mabey check for air leaks on the hoses and the fuel heater element. also it could be the return valve on the pump.

 

[hsmith]

Don't forget that a broken throttle return spring will cause the same symptoms.

 

[Missouri Mule]

A bad injector pump will call surging at idle.

Just read read a thread where bad injectors caused surging at low rpms.

Return spring(fell off or wore out) on throttle linkage could cause this especially ove rough roads.

 

[KnightR]

Would'nt it be nice if we could go back to the ole ford flathead days and walk out to the shade tree with a screwdriver, crescent wrench, and a roll of wire, and it was good go for another 5000 miles.