Hello I own a 1989 dodge Dakota with the 4cyl 2.5L motor. About 2 weeks ago on my way to work I noticed a loss of power in 5th and 4th. I drove home and parked the truck. The next day I took it for a test drive and was having total loss of power in all gears, the truck would lurch, stall, and have a hard time starting up (almost as if it was having a seizure). After sitting for a little while truck would start and run fine but eventually symptoms reappear.


This appeared to be a fuel issue to me so I went and replaced fuel pump and fuel filter (both of which had been replaced once before in the last 3 years) I also bought a new tps and replaced that as well as a new air filter.


Now the truck will crank but not start. It seems to start sporadically run for a few minutes and then stall.


I am wondering if anyone has experienced any similar problems?


I have ordered a new distributor, wires and ignition coil as well as new plugs which will be arriving next week. (While inspecting the distributor I noticed corrosion inside the unitI) I will be running a compression test in the morning.


Any advice would be appreciated.

 

First I would stop buying parts until you know what is wrong. Read the FAQ section and check for codes.

 

I was able to figure out how to read codes with out a code reader. And it threw code 11 which appears to be something bad with the hall effect. And considering that the interruptor inside the distributor was corroded and free moving I believe this is the problem.


I will update once I install the new distributor that will be arriving next week.

 

This is what the FAQ code page says is a code 11** Timing belt skipped 1 tooth or more from initial learned value, Intermittent loss of either camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, No crank reference signal detected during engine cranking
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-96-codes.html

Before you spend any more money on parts check your timing.