Good point. And, if the smoke appears more so after it sits for a while it could be oil that's pooling in the cylinder(s). Leaking valve seals will due that.

 

leaking valve seals is our guess as well and to be expected with a truck that just this year qualified for Antique Tags! I have a new fuel pump to install but just not convinced that is the problem. No point in my trying to drive it and chance getting stranded so at least i have my 'motorized' bicycle to ride!

Please list all causes for it stalling intermittently? My buddy says get a new gas cap??? surely not thanks

 

It could actually be the gas cap - if it doesn't breathe properly, then the pump can stall as it tries to suck past the vacuum caused by no air entering the tank.

But I hates intermittents. I really do. I'd rather it die dead than be intermittent.

RwP

 

i suppose i'll have to try and drive it around a bit with the cap loose just to prove that one Ralph

 

Usually, on an OBDII car, the venting is via the evap system; so the cap isn't as big a deal.

I don't think that's going to be your problem ... but it might be. (Could also be the phase of the moon - very, VERY low probability of that, though!)

I'll repeat, I hates intermittents. And I know you do too by now.

RwP

 

Yeah that year model is vented through the evap cannister....fuel cap shouldn't be vented. But if it's a vent problem you might temporarily pull the small vent tube off the evap cannister from the fuel tank to rule out vacuum lock.

 

I've still been nervous about driving it so i crank it and let it idle every day till my mechanic friend can get back over here. I hear y'all about the gas venting but why would my gas cap have four small holes running through the center metal part of the cap? thanks!

 

The cap at this page is what the stock cap looks like. The stock cap has a tether that holds it to the truck.
https://www.carid.com/1991-dodge-dak...-20823335.html

 

Just took another look and mine is indeed tied to the truck and the cap is all plastic. I am able to suck a little air through the center holes so my cap is likely not an issue. I found a fuel pump for 40bucks just in case. Hoping my mechanic gets back over here soon. thank you

 

Earlier, i ran it and let it idle and forgot about it so it sat there idling for 30mins or better and it never died in all that time. about 2 hrs after that, i nerved up and took it for a spin, got out on the main hyway and it died and couldn't start it by popping the clutch but was able to press my starter button and it started and i went on to the store and back with no more incidents...oh and i'd loosened the gas cap...gremlins i tell ya...Gremlins!