JerBeyor
07-14-2021, 03:31 AM
So, I recently purchased a couple pickups to rebuild and use in my fleet. I'm having issues with my 88 ram 50. To start, I had to replace the radiator and intake from the grill to carb. Tried to start, but only turns over. A little fuel or starter spray and it will start.
However, here's where my first major issues arise. It won't idle on its own as I have to keep some pressure on the pedal to keep it going. As I'm forcing idle, it's a little rough and won't hold a consistent rpm.
Also, pedal to the floor, the engine doesn't sound like it could be turning faster than maybe 3,500 rpm. Can't swear on that number as I don't have a tach, but it's definitely not reaching anywhere close to red line before it stops rising in speed.
And my last issue (so far) is that it won't run long enough to do much diagnostic work. I can give it a bit of gas, keep it running and all that, but after a bit of time, it will die no matter what I do. When it does this, it acts like the battery is almost dead. It will crank 3 times a bit slowly then bog down on the 4th.
All that seems to help is letting it sit. I can come back later, and repeat this process, but it's getting old as I've made no progress whatsoever.
Now, clues I have are these; there are a couple valves for vaccuum lines I've found with nothing connected. I can't figure out where they go and plugging them seems to make no difference.
There is some type of sensor in the bottom of the breather boxes neck (Not sure what the proper name is, but it's what contains the air filter.) There are two wires that have been cut that I can't find the other pieces or where they went.
And lastly, I am getting a good oil pressure and oil is getting to the heads, so I don't think anything is moving dry.
So, where should I start? I'm thinking the vaccuum lines or egr valve may be at play. I'm not sure where the lines would go, but we can figure that out. I've also been told that timing could cause this.
However, here's where my first major issues arise. It won't idle on its own as I have to keep some pressure on the pedal to keep it going. As I'm forcing idle, it's a little rough and won't hold a consistent rpm.
Also, pedal to the floor, the engine doesn't sound like it could be turning faster than maybe 3,500 rpm. Can't swear on that number as I don't have a tach, but it's definitely not reaching anywhere close to red line before it stops rising in speed.
And my last issue (so far) is that it won't run long enough to do much diagnostic work. I can give it a bit of gas, keep it running and all that, but after a bit of time, it will die no matter what I do. When it does this, it acts like the battery is almost dead. It will crank 3 times a bit slowly then bog down on the 4th.
All that seems to help is letting it sit. I can come back later, and repeat this process, but it's getting old as I've made no progress whatsoever.
Now, clues I have are these; there are a couple valves for vaccuum lines I've found with nothing connected. I can't figure out where they go and plugging them seems to make no difference.
There is some type of sensor in the bottom of the breather boxes neck (Not sure what the proper name is, but it's what contains the air filter.) There are two wires that have been cut that I can't find the other pieces or where they went.
And lastly, I am getting a good oil pressure and oil is getting to the heads, so I don't think anything is moving dry.
So, where should I start? I'm thinking the vaccuum lines or egr valve may be at play. I'm not sure where the lines would go, but we can figure that out. I've also been told that timing could cause this.