Replaced Intake Manifold Gasket, more problems now than when I started
1995 Dakota 5.2l v8 automatic
I'm learning everything myself, and maybe I'm really bad at that. But I bought a truck in need of a new IMG. Thought I could do it. Took photos meticulously over a period of several days as I found time to tear it down and install the gasket. Got everything back together, had a few extra hoses I wasn't sure where went. Followed the vacuum diagram, took a look at the lines on my '92 v6 4x4 (not running now, needs a transmission). And by the end of it, I got two loud pops while cranking. Fuel was resynched properly. Now oil had a slight gas smell, changed the oil and it still won't start. Not sure if I should even continue working on vehicles, or if I just need to buy a horse at this point. So fed up at this point.
I'm learning everything myself, and maybe I'm really bad at that. But I bought a truck in need of a new IMG. Thought I could do it. Took photos meticulously over a period of several days as I found time to tear it down and install the gasket. Got everything back together, had a few extra hoses I wasn't sure where went. Followed the vacuum diagram, took a look at the lines on my '92 v6 4x4 (not running now, needs a transmission). And by the end of it, I got two loud pops while cranking. Fuel was resynched properly. Now oil had a slight gas smell, changed the oil and it still won't start. Not sure if I should even continue working on vehicles, or if I just need to buy a horse at this point. So fed up at this point.
Yes, it was a part of my Haynes Manual procedure and I did it without much thought even though, in hindsight, I don't think I needed to pull it. I was careful to mark everything, but perhaps I bumped the Rotor somewhat. Anyway, I put No. 1 Cylinder back at TDC and verified the Rotor was pointed to No. 1 Plug Terminal.
Going to get back out there and unfoul the plugs, disconnect Fuel Pump and Ignition Coil and blow out any gasoline. put everything back in and hope to get spark.
Going to get back out there and unfoul the plugs, disconnect Fuel Pump and Ignition Coil and blow out any gasoline. put everything back in and hope to get spark.
Put number 1 at TDC in firing position again, (both valves closed) yank the distributor cap, and make sure the rotor is pointed toward the notch in the distributor body. That should get injector timing close enough to run the engine.
Had everything synced. Spark plugs were pretty well fouled. Changed them w/ a couple new ones and the six from my '92 v6. Had a weak crank, jumped the battery and again had gasoline vapor coming from PCV Breather Valve Hose into the Air Cleaner Assembly. Pulled the dipstick, it's mixed w/ gasoline. Don't even know where I went wrong. Might have put some vac hoses on wrong but wouldn't think it'd cause me to have gasoline in the intake.
Last edited by Arkansas_Dan; Dec 12, 2025 at 03:11 PM.
Might it be the Vapor Canister Purge Solenoid? I might have connected it to the wrong port on the Manifold, but that shouldn't cause this condition should it?
Last edited by Arkansas_Dan; Dec 12, 2025 at 03:22 PM.
Trending Topics
Evap system should only be pulling vapors...... Check the lines, see if there is liquid gas in them.....
Is the two-wire temp sensor hooked up? Should be up by the thermostat housing. If that one isn't plugged in, PCM thinks the engine is -40 degrees, and positively DUMPS gas, trying to get a burnable mixture...
Is the two-wire temp sensor hooked up? Should be up by the thermostat housing. If that one isn't plugged in, PCM thinks the engine is -40 degrees, and positively DUMPS gas, trying to get a burnable mixture...
Evap system should only be pulling vapors...... Check the lines, see if there is liquid gas in them.....
Is the two-wire temp sensor hooked up? Should be up by the thermostat housing. If that one isn't plugged in, PCM thinks the engine is -40 degrees, and positively DUMPS gas, trying to get a burnable mixture...
Is the two-wire temp sensor hooked up? Should be up by the thermostat housing. If that one isn't plugged in, PCM thinks the engine is -40 degrees, and positively DUMPS gas, trying to get a burnable mixture...
You don't want the tank plumbed to manifold vacuum. That's a bad idea. 
I would verify the temp sensor is hooked up properly. Keep in mind, there are TWO on your truck, a one-wire sensor for the dash gauge, and the two-wire sensor for the PCM.

I would verify the temp sensor is hooked up properly. Keep in mind, there are TWO on your truck, a one-wire sensor for the dash gauge, and the two-wire sensor for the PCM.






