2001 ram 5.2L won't start
 

Hi guys,

Needs some suggestions. Went to LV in Decemeber, and when I came back the truck would not start. It was brutally cold during this time. Due to several reasons, it has taken a long time to get around to this. Battery was weak, and plugs got fouled in the multiple attempts.

First off, previous install of plugs was without anti-sieze (they should be shot!), so I had to use an extractor to get the threads for two out. I cleaned up six of the plugs (TB cleaner, and sandpaper), and reinstalled with anti-sieze, along with two new plugs.

I have tested the coil with one of those plugs that attached to ground and shows a spark. I also tested a few of the spark plug wires. I both cases I seen a spark.

I have installed a new cap and rotor.
I have installed a new battery.

I checked the fuses in the panel.

I try to start it briefly twice, then removed a plug. I smell gas fumes, so I think there must be fuel getting in there. I also hear the pump power up when I turn the key to the first position.

So, after doing everything above, trying to start it, it sputters ... it is hard to explain, it is like it wants to starts, you hear the odd puff out the tailpipe. You know what, it is acting similar to my '65 Fury when the ballast resistor went bad. I am guessing these do not have one of those.

Any ideas of what to check next? I want to avoid huge repair shop costs, trying to diagnose this. The truck used to start and run before I went to LV.

Thanks!

Push the gas pedal to the floor, and hold it there. Crank the engine, see if it starts.

Sorry to take so long to reply, new son, no time :)

Anyways, no dice on the start.
I took the air filter assembly of the throttle body.
Even shot "engine start" down it several times.
I found the fuse panel in the engine bay, and checked all those as well.
Throttle opens when gas pedal is pressed.

Tried several times, and one can smell the gas.
The accesory belt is turning as well (same with rotor).

Any other ideas? Could the timing have jumped teeth ... maybe the computer got fouled for sitting so long?

Help. :)

Grab a nod light and plug it into each injector harness and see if your pcm is firing your injectors. Check your fuel pressure. Also do you have any codes?

I would try swapping the cam position sensor (also called distributor pick up, or pick up coil) first, if that's a no go, return it and try the crankshaft position sensor.

If you are getting a no start condition but air, fuel, and spark seem ok, those are the 2 most likely culprits.

I'd unscrew the pre cat o2 and see if it starts.

No codes are in the system, I will try the other suggestions, and report back, thanks!

Finally got the problem solved. Biggest thing preventing starting was that the timing chain had stretched, and was really loose. Secondly, sometime in the history of this truck, someone had installed the distributor off by one tooth.

When the mechanic lined up all the timing marks, it still would not start, and that is what lead him to look at the distributor. Funny, cause I have never pulled it.

The timing chain probably got bad enough not to start when I was cranking it over in -25C weather, and the oil was thick, or it might have just been coincidence. Anyhow, it is running now. Just wanted to update, in case someone else runs into the same thing.