I have a 97 1500 4x4 with the 4.7 v8.... when cold after a rain it will not start until I crank on it forever... It is fine if I start up while still warm, or if there is no rain. Snow, ice, extream cold weather all fine. If it rains and sits overnight then it is hard to start..

Thanks for any help mike

 

cracked distributor cap, same thing happened to me

 

Pretty sure the Ram didn't have the 4.7 back in 97...you mean the 5.2?

 

sorry you are correct the 5.2 I'll check the distributor cap...thanks
any other suggestions?

mike

 

Mike,
The crankshaft position sensor is located at the rear of the engine and just to the left of the distributor when looking at it from the front. Pull the electrical connection apart for the sensor and apply some di-electric grease then re-connect it. Do the same for the camshaft position sensor connection that comes out of the disctibutor. Water in either of these connections wil lcause your truck problems with starting.

If your hood seal leaks, water runs down your windshield and will drain right onto these two connections, in addition to your distributor. I had the same problem after snowstorms until I did this to the crankshaft position sensor. No problems since.

 

thanks will check both...gotta run to work, but will check back after work and try the idea listed..

thanks for the help and quick responses..

mike

 

still have a problem, I replaced the distributor with a new one. When I go to start the truck again it still cranks but will not fire. After cranking when I release the key the truck will chug, but not fire. I rented an auto scanner from autozone and it shows no codes. I will be greatful for any help

Mike

 

could be a bad CPS, check to see if you are getting fire, by pulling the plugs, if its fouled then at least you know that it is not fuel. Cause it could be fuel pump or any one of many sensors

 

what about the coil? the black box? also what is a cps? it has spark and there is a trace amount of gas on the plug....all plugs are new also

mike