Ok, so I am looking to buy a '97 Ram 1500. However, I had a few issues with the truck that made me hesitant to buy it...

First, when inspecting the engine, I noticed that the seller had put a small breather filter in place of the pcv valve on the valve cover. As for the inlet to the intake (suction inlet), he had just left it completely open... He claimed that it ran better like this, but from what i read on the net, all I found was that it would probably be running lean, if anything, like this...

After talking to a few garage mechanic friends, they basically said that heMIGHT be trying to cover up a smoking problem, due to excess emissions in the blow-by areas.

I then had him put a new pcv valve on the truck and run the air line to the intake inlet. The truck seemed to still run strong, but just idled a bit lower, as would be expected. However, I'm not a really experienced mechanic, so I am looking for tell-tell signs that there might be a problem. Can anyone inform me on what to look for here? I was researching it on the net and couldn't find much...possibly excess oil around the pcv valve hole when removed? Would this mean anything? I know it is supposed to have a bit of sludge, being that he didn't have the suction line hooked up, but what would be extreme? Or should this area be dry?

Second question... I told him that in order to make the sell, he would have to get it smogged. He brought the truck over tonight, we met at a smog shop. When he arrived, he was quick to say:

"The check engine light just came on after putting gas in the tank. It must be due to a vaccuum being created in the tank. This usually happens when I fill up and it turns offafter driving a few miles or so...after taking the gas cap on and then putting it back on to releave the pressure..."

We asked the smog tech if he could still smog it with the light on, first explaining the situation, and he said it was fine. After the test, he said it had failed with a "Evaporative Emission Sensor" trouble code. I asked him if it had to do with the pcv valve emissions. He said no, it's usually due to a bad or loose gas cap...basically exactly what the seller had said was the problem.

I like the truck a lot, and I planned on buying it on Monday...but I am just hesitant to get into a problematic vehicle. Can someone please give me some reassurance here, or at least tell me what to look for with the pcv valve, and if it is a serious problem or not? Also if he is being truthful about the smog failure?

One last question, and this is just out of curiousity...the truck is an extra-cab with the 5.9 engine. It has about 5" of lift and 35"tires. Anyone have a similar setup that can tell me average gas mileage? =) It's a manual also, just for reference. Thanks.

I would greatly appreciate some guidance here, hopefully before the end of the weekend... THANKS GUYS!!!

 

most likey just a bad gas cap that dosent seal or vent properley

as for gas milage with that setup prob 9-12MPG

 

I've never seen a 5.9 with a stick. I'm a little bit jealous right now.

 

Truck needs to have PCV valve - without - can cause sludge and nastiness in engine/lifter valley/oil pan/ valve covers, etc cause of blow-by gasses.
PCV- Positive Crankcase Ventilation

EVAP-Replace the gas cap and reset CEL light and drive some more- if it comes back on, tell his a$$ to fix it
-Evap line cracked, dry rotted, etc or EVAP Purge solenoid bad
Tell him to go get it fixed before you buy.
that light does not HAVE to come on because of the full gas tank - it should not come on either way unless there is a problem - tell him to fix it - replace gas cap first then troubleshoot more.

 

my blue one is a 5-speed.