I just replaced the timing chain cover gasket and water pump on my 96 dakota. now it will not stay running once you start it. As soon as you let off the gas it dies. any ideas? thanks

 

So once you start it runs. Can it go through all rpms? Can you hold the gas so the rpm is around 1,000 and not have it die? Does it only die at Idle? We need more info!

If it just doesnt Idle then it sounds like the IAC (Idle Air Control) Valve. These tend to get stuck alot. Just take off clean it up and reinstall or replace.

 

It will stay running as long as I keep my foot on the gas. Yes it goes through all the rpm's. It had been running fine. It has set for a couple of weeks until I had the time to repalce the gasket and get it back together.

 

try what crazy said and clean or replace the iac motor in the back of he throttle body. that should do it