I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota with a 318 5.2L and i just put a new re-manufactured motor in it and it stalls when it goes in gear. It was just in reverse but i took it for a drive and about 10 min into the drive it started to misfire really bad and about a minute later it stalled. Now it will start up and idle in park but when you put in gear it will die? Any thought on what it is?
I have replaced the IAC before this happened and it helped it idle a lot better. but any help would be appreciated, Thanks.

 

Anybody has an idea on what it might be?

 

First thing i would do, is check all the wires from the dist and crank sensor. Make sure they are not pinched between the engine and bellhousing. If the wires are good, then the problem maybe the torque converter locking up on you.

 

Where exactly is the crank position sensor?

 

It would be on the passenger side rear, just below the oil pressure sensor.

 

There is a notch in the bell-housing that the crank sensor fits down into. Could be a short in that wiring when you put it in gear. Long shot but would def cause that problem.

 

could it be a short if everything worked right before we replaced the motor? Also if this helps bring anymore ideas the truck did sit for a year before the motor was replaced.

 

Yes might just not be plugged in all the way.

Could also be wrong flex plate, but I could be wrong I'm not sure it would even run at that point.

 

Update: After my truck has sat for a few days it will start and idle in park and in drive but it still dies in reverse

 

I'm leaning towards vacuum leak check all your lines they can cause some weird issues. Do you still have your old motor? Thinking about the throttle body now.