What the heck IS this?

'90 Dodge Ram 50 2.4L.

The problem seems to be between "engine misses throughout driving range" and " "hesitation or stumble during acceleration."

This is the best way I can describe it. It feels like it's running on 3-and-a-half plugs, then four for a bit, then 3-and-a-half plugs, then four for a bit. Especially going up the ~1% grade we have here in town.

Took the plugs out; they seem fine (and I re-gapped them). Got new plug wires. Got new fuel filter.

Anyone have a guess what this most-likely sounds like? [ and there there are virtually NO diagnostic tools in this town ]

Almost forgot to ask (and I asked in the "2nd Generation" forum, too: does this have points - like a normal car does, or that thing called MSD?

?????

Thanks, people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I screwed up. Any admin is more than welcome to delete one of these duplicate posts. Again, I apologize.

try cleaning the throttle body, the MAS, and the PCV and EGR. If that doesn't fix it, then check the TPS for proper operation.

Excellent, pennyman1. You gave me somewhere to start. I'll read both books for the truck, and check the web for more info, but I'm sure I'll have some more questions to post. Never fooled about with any of the "parts" to which you've referred.

Well........... one now. I have some carb cleaner: shoot some of that into the throttle body?

THANKS!

try checking the ecm. that's normally what causes what you are describing on the 90+ trucks. most likely if the ecm has not been either repaired or replaced the capacitors are leaking inside. every shop around were i live that used to use these as a delivery truck and finds out i own a mm always brings up the ecm issue.

I was going to suggest that next, but these items need looked at first.