So, just put a fresh rebuilt 5.2 in the dakota. Have everything (I think) hooked back up. Tried to start her this evening, and it took A LOT of persuading and starter fluid, but she finally caught. However, it ran like crap! I checked and double checked all my plug wires were on the distributor correctly. I'm thinking now, I'm 180 out.. after doing some reading here a few minutes ago, I found out about the timing marks, so I'll play with that tomorrow.
My real question is, after putting the wiring harness back in, I have a left over plug that I can't seem to find a place for. It's on the end that heads down to the transmission, it is a 2 wire plug, and both wires are yellow, maybe with a black stripe. It's right on the line where it could go somewhere on the back of the engine, or on top of the tranny.
Any ideas??
I can't wait to drive this thing for the first time.. I bought it not running!
thanks in advance!

 

It came to me in my sleep.. it has a manual oil guage that was hooked up for some reason. should i keep that, or go back to original? I have the sensor. Is it possible to run both maybe?

 

Got the timing set correctly today, and she fired right up, and runs like a top!
Temp gauge and fuel gauge are not working.. I read up on that, I replaced the temp sensor in the block before I put the engine in, so the plug or wire must be bad...
I'm not too concerned with the fuel gauge, but I guess I'll be pulling the tank at some point.
One thing I really need help with, I was up under the truck and noticed a connection for a hose coming out of the top of the transmission? There is nothing connected to it... I'm assuming there should be a hose on there? that goes to where??

 

That connection on top of your trans may be for a breather. I know mine has a little tin cap but its an NV 3500. Temp sensor could be bad from the get go but check the plug for corrosion inside where the prongs on the sensor go in. Otherwise start chasing wires. I cut the wrapping off my entire harness when I swapped the 5.2 into my truck, you can rewrap it how you want and do a much better job than the factory IMO. But it gave me the opportunity to inspect the entire harness for faults. Glad you got your project going!

 

Congrats on getting it running. I'm not sure what that hose connection is for... maybe it's for the transfer case or something because I don't remember having a hose in that area on either one of my 2wd trucks (one stick, one auto). Also, I'm not too sure what a hose would be doing on a transmission if it is not for fluid.

 

Its probably a vent tube and/or overfill relief.

 

Thanks for the replies! I'm going to check the wire and connector today..
As for the transmission, I am thinking its like you say, for a breather tube. I will do more investigating today. I wish I would have pulled all the wrap off the harness.. too late now! Not really, but I'm not pulling it all back off at this point

 

Temp gauge is working! I pulled the wire out of the plug, and cleaned up the connection. Working on the brakes now.. maybe this thing will be roadworthy by the end of week. I do have a small oil leak somewhere on the back of the engine, haven't been able to locate the source yet, or even if it's high or low..