Started around 3, got everything disconnected within 2 hrs. Although I have a few questions. I found this in one of the vac lines. What is this?



from this part...



Never seen anything like it. Looks like small pieces of coal...


Also, is this the sensor for the temp gauge on the cluster? (white one wire sensor)

 

That looks as if the charcoal from the fuel evap canister got sucked up into the evap purge solenoid (not sure exactly what it looks like on the 1996 Ram, but that looks similar to the 2001 I have.)

The charcoal canister is part of the emissions system and is supposed to keep gas vapors from polluting the atmosphere as the gasoline in the tank expands due to heat. I don't think that the charcoal is supposed to travel up the vac lines though. The line ultimately returns to the front of the TB next to the MAP sensor.

The other pic is the coolant temp sensor. It does tell you what temp the coolant is via the temp gauge in the cluster, but it also helps the PCM determine proper A/F mix.

I busted that sensor once and the truck pinged like crazy as the PCM was falsely seeing 255* coolant and started pulling fuel like mad, making the mix very lean. It does have a function other than just displaying the correct temp on cluster gauge.

On the 1996, there might even be 2 of those coolant temp sensors, one near the AC compressor as well.

 

Looks like the evap canister is dumping debris into your vac system.
Canister is back on the outside of the frame rail just behind the cab (if R/C) & is about the size of a large coffee can.
Temp sensor all right, should have a wire with the other end of it still plugged in, you will have another temp sensor on the other side of the thermostat/hose.

 

My truck is a 96 and has 2 sensors. One is in the back of the A/C compressor and that white one is directly in the back of the alt. I definitely need to get it cause I do hear my truck ping when it reaches a little above the normal operating temp (based on the gauge cluster) and I have a good feeling its been giving my temp gauge on my cluster the wrong reading. Plus, I need to see if my radiator is faulty or not. Does anyone have the part number from Mopar for the Coolant Temp. Sensor?

While I got the intake manifold gasket coming in from Mopar and plenum "fix" from Hughes, I am going to blow out that line and check the EVAP canister this week.

Thanks

 

no p/n, but you can get a temp sensor from any parts store for 20-30 bucks.

It's one of the cheaper parts you'll have to buy on a Dodge.

 

charcoal cannister is ruptured, and leaking its guts into the evap system.
disconnect all the lines and blow them all out.
get a new or junkyard cannister and reinstall.
i don't know if you'll have to replace the purge solenoid or not. try cleaning it out first.

a buddy of mine had one rupture on a carb engine. it stopped up the carb and the catalytic converter. so be on the lookout for that possibility.

 

I believe you do have to replace the purge solenoid when you replace the charcoal canister. It's one of those "replace in pairs" deals. At least thats what I was told when I replaced mine 5 years ago. I forget why though. It's only $40 from the stealership. Not so bad.

 

^ $30 something at the parts store. autozone has them.

 

I'll look into my canister and blow out the lines tomorrow. I am going to the dealership to pick up my gasket. I'll see if they can get me the coolant temp sensor. Before I started to tear into my truck, I didn't have any codes. I believe the solenoid will throw a code if it was faulty but I assume its good. So I am going to clean that out as well.

I've had some bad results with aftermarket parts. I only use Mopar parts. If Mopar doesn't make it, i'll go somewhere else. So far i've been going to the dealership for parts.

 

I had the same charcoal on my 1997 Ram Sport 5.9L in that line, I've never seen it before. I will have to replace the canister and blow out the lines on my truck. The black two wire sensor is on the other side of the water outlet is the temp sensor, what you have pictured with the single wire is a temp switch, $12.99 at Autozone.