Ok guys I finally decided to become part of the forum. I have been able to search and find a ton of advise just by being a guest and searching. With that said you guy give great pointers and have helped me a ton with other dodge trucks.

Now this is my story...I just bought a 96 1500 ex cab 5.9 (360) 4x4 for a killer price. At the moment I am using as my DD since I just sent off my cummins to be painted. I just replaced the plenum, 180 stat, new plugs wires, cap, rotter, and cam sensor. The truck ran fine before I did this except, burned oil (PG) and bad fuel mileage. Now I still am burning oil fuel mileage seems to be better (will know later) and truck idles smoother. When I put under a load or pull a trailer I get bad manifold backfire. So, why the backfire and why am I still burning oil??? No I have not replaced the O2 or have I checked the cat. I get a code 43 if that helps. Thanks for reading guys.

 

96 is OBDII, what's a code 43?? (do we have a translation table somewhere??)

For oil consumption, check and see if you got leaks out the backs of the valve covers, also, replace the PCV valve with one from the dealer.

Check plug wire routing for the backfire. There is a TSB in the FAQ section on that.

 

http://dodgeram.info/Engine-Gas/OBDI/pcm_fault_code.htm

 

Thanks zman.

Ignition coil circuit trouble. Check the wires, verify power to the coil.

 

Run the wires the correct way today (I knew to do this but didn't) I have to buy a new volt netter in the morning to ck the coil as mine just took a crap. No oils leaks anywhere on the truck at all. I will drive it to work in the morning and see how she runs. Will the code 43 be what's causing the manifold backfire? Also, can bad valve seals cause the motor to eat oil? Thanks a ton for all the advise guys.

 

Bad valve seals will suck oil into combustion chamber. Could be the source of your problem. How much oil are you burning? Is it smoking any? Cat may also be suspect with a lot of oil being used.

 

backfiring is an indication of firing out of time when the valve is still open. if there was no problem with the original cam position sensor i'd put that one back in.

you didn't move the distributor did you...

 

Truck ran better going to work but still back fires when I stick my foot in it. I never messed with the actual distributor that's why I am confussed as to why the timing can be off. The cam sensor had to be replaced cause it crapped out that's why I replaced it. If I drive the truck easy it burns about 1 qt every 2 days but if I drive hard or pull something I have to stop about every 6 miles to add about 3 qt. It does smoke a little white(bluish color, burning oil) an if I go heavy a little black (running a little rich) I wi ck the cat out this weekend and will replace the o2 tomorrow when I get paid. I

 

With it burnig that much oil my only thing I can think of is the valve seals.

 

Stop spending money on parts! You need to do a compersion test first,wet and dry. Post back the numbers.