Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Torque Problem

[TyThompson]

Okay, so here's the deal, I just bought this truck a couple months ago, so I'm not sure what all has been done to it. Other than what's listed in my signature, I was told it has "a bigger" torque converter.



So anyways, here's my problem. At fairly low speeds, such as parking lots, while accelerating, if I let off the pedal too quickly, the truck will die. This results in some embarrassment. (What low-end torque?) It seems to do it a little worse when it's cold, but will still do it when warmer.

And then just today, I was maneuvering around in my driveway, (no trailer or anything) and I popped one tire down over the curb, stuck in reverse, and it wouldn't climb back up! (This is only about a 4 inch curb. ) So I gave it more and more fuel until it was floored, and all it would do was about 1000 RPM. So when it popped back up, I of course let off the pedal so I wouldn't hit anything, and it of course died.



The truck has always been a little slow off the line, but other than that it runs fine.

SO my first thought is that it's something to do with governor springs? To keep it from dieing like that, do I need to tighten or loosen them? Is the inability to climb a small curb possibly because of a low stall speed torque converter? Or is there something else I'm missing?



Sorry for the long post, and thanks for the help...

 

[bmoeller]

For #1, it could be the idle is to low. Should be ~850, in drive, with the A/C on. Takes a 10mm wrench.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/adjustments/2nd_Gen-Idle.htm

The last one, can't say for sure, since I can't see/hear what it is (n't) doing, but it could be a tight torque convertor. Or, maybe the lockup clutch in the torque convertor isn't unlocking properly.

 

[TyThompson]

I'll have to check idle in drive with a/c on, i know it idles about 950 in park.

It does idle a lot slower when it's cold, like 5 or 600 in park, there's no way to fix that is there?



I never thought of the TC, the truck came with a "BD pressure-lok" that is supposed to increase lockup pressure at lower rpm's (according to BD's web site), so maybe that's it.



Thanks for the ideas.

 

[Ruckuz]

i had the EXACT same problem with mine when i bought it. I ran some injector cleaner, changed the fuel filter, and raised the idle. It's been amazing since. Starts even easier, much nicer to drive.

 

[TyThompson]

Ruckuz- thanks for the suggestions, I put some powerservice in today, we'll see what that does... I have changed the fuel filter once already though...

 

[Ruckuz]

You're welcome... hope raising the idle works out for you as it did me. I remember getting angry at my truck for stalling as i was trying to back into the driveway, and the then owner ( She used to be my work truck) kept telling me it was the "low stall torque converter. I always gave him a funny look and went along with it, thinking there was something else wrong the whole time.

 

[TXDSLSHOP]

I agree with the idle, but I would also consider looking at another thing or two. Has the overflow valve been changed? Also, how does the truck run in park with the throttle pinned? Does it miss and smoke a little? When the fuel pressure gets a little weak it will run bad and be low on power. (Replace Overflow Valve, or at least stretch the spring until you get a new one). Also, might verify pump timing, but I would do that after checking fuel supply etc... Just my 2 cents. Jeremy.

 

[TyThompson]

Thanks for the suggestions, been away from the computer for a week, took the old Dodge on a little trip, 2100 miles to be exact, down into Mexico and back. Truck ran excellent, around 18 mpg. Still have the same problem described above though, I'll check my overflow valve, and I really want to check my timing, just haven't had a chance yet. General consensus is 15. 5 to 16*, right?

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[TXDSLSHOP]

I have had good luck with 15. 5 to 16 degrees. If you were a little closer, I would help you out. Good Luck! Jeremy.