Hi everybody,

I could use some help with a problem my co-worker has with his 89 Ram with a 318 (auto). His truck starts fine, once it warms up, it looses power and then stalls. His tech checked the error codes and it logged fuel starvation. He chanced the ECU to see if it is faulty, but the problem presisted. Anybody any goog ideas what else he could check. Like I said it starts fine and runs untill it warms up.

Dakota Chris

 

First, check for clogs in the fuel system. If there aren't any, try replacing the fuel filter, it could be clogged and dirty espically if it hasn't been replaced in the past few years - I change mine about every 6-9 months. If that doesn't work, it probably needs a new fuel pump. With an ECU, I'm assuming that it's fuel-injected. If it is, the pump is an electric one mounted either inside or around the fuel tank, last time I read my repair manual, I think it said that it was inside the tank (I don't pay much attention to the EFI section, mine's carbureted, same engine and transmission, though). If carbureted, the pump is a mechanical one mounted on the passenger's side of the engine block under the alternator - it needs to be removed first to gain access to it. Make sure that there is no voltage going to it first - When I replaced my pump, I didn't do this and landed on the other side of the garage - Literally. I got my filter and pump at Advance Auto, the filter was less than $5 and the mechanical pump was around $15. A Haynes repair manual really helps - about $15.

 

As mentioned, replace the fuel filter. also might try running a can of SeaFoam through the gas tank to clean things up. You can get it at NAPA/CarQuest for about $6. www.seafoamsales.com
I would then check the fuel pressure when it warms up and fails.

Does the engine start right back up after it stalls?

Could also be a bad pickup asm in the distributor.

What error code was he getting, 51 or 52 or? These codes may or may not be related to your problem.

 

I just fixed a similar problem on a 73 D-100. It was tough! I bought a new fuel pump to put on it as I had already gone through all the filters and lines. The fuel pump I have on it is less than a year old. So I thought I'd lower the tank and check out the pick up tube and sock. No sock. blew through the tube and it was retricted. I used a piece of 1/8" twisted cable. I got out alot of debris that was like sticky charcoal. Blew through it with ease, re-installed. Problem gone. Total time about 1 hour. I hope this helps.