Running Very Rich, Carb, Timing, Fuel?

So I have a 2.6 RAM 50, Pretty much bone stock. Looking for a place to start. I am hoping this is just an A/F mixture issue or accelerator pump. No check engine lights. Starts pretty good and idles well. Car doesn't die ever. Temp gauge sits about 3/8 of the range, just a bit on the cool side. No back firing.

Symptoms
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- Bad fuel mileage and hesitation when getting on the throttle fast, as well as hills.
- I'm getting around 10MPG right now.
- Carbon on the mudflaps even after cleaning them.
- Exhaust tip is carbon coated.
- Black oil relatively fast. 1000 Miles.
- Slowly applying the gas pedal means everything fine and will go to higher speeds no problem.
- Quickly press the pedal, car hesitates (0MP/H acceleration) and sputters then most of the time will 'kick back in' and start accelerating again.
- If car continues to hesitate, i back off of the throttle for a second, then re-apply and then works, every time.
- I don't see any black smoke.
- When car is in neutral, I can give it as much throttle as I want as fast as I want without any issues. Only when vehicle is under a load do these problems exist.
- Hills sometimes cause the same problems as pressing the gas fast.
- If sputtering on a hill continues even after I re-apply throttle, I will just downshift then apply gas, and shift up again.

Thanks in Advance
~Russeree

Sounds to me like the carb could be the culprit. That would explain the poor fuel economy and all the soot coming out the exhaust. Try tuning it down a bit to see if that helps out any.

bad lifters can cause: engine tapping, cold running, poor cold starting, gas in oil, & clogged catalytics.

check all the vacuum lines especially the ones going to the box on the drivers inner fender - that is the sensor for the computer controlled mikuni carb.

I would look at - ignition coil (a tired coil will cause erratic burn cycles especially under load - they are good for 10-15 years tops before replacing), a bunch of carb issues (clogged jets, possible dead accelerator enrichment pump, carb out of adjustment, air/vacuum leaks - possibly due for a tear down and rekitting), engine tune (timing adjustment, plug gaps checked), valve stem seals (explains fouled oil *oil in the combustion cycle will drop fuel octane rating causing detonation, low power on throttle and fouled exhaust)

I have a 82 2.6 4x4 and have almost the same exact same problems... consistant 12.x mpg... recently got a new cat and it passed cali smog. Any ides? Thanks.

it also has a 2v head on it.

I would start by looking at the ignition. More than likely it will be carb related, but carb tuning with a poor ignition just means you'll be tuning again. Your mechanical advance could be stuck. When you are light on the throttle you get the vacuum advance, and when you floor it you lose all advance. I would just replace the plugs, cap, rotor, wires, and coil, and verify your vacuum and mechanical advance are working properly before tearing into the carb.