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Timing new 3.9l v6?

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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 03:26 PM
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Default Timing new 3.9l v6?

Hello, been having a hell of a time with this hopefully i can get some help here.

I have a 94' ram 1500 3.9l v6 manual trans, that the engine recently took a dive on me. I replaced it with a rebuilt 95' 3.9l v6 but it seems i'm having issues with timing. We've tried turning the distributor everywhere and it only seems to be fine in the high end of the rpms but the low end still misses. The idle is fairly smooth but as soon as you hit the gas it just doesn't want to go, it lags behind the pedal quite abit. I've called around to dealerships and asked friends who are mechanics and had various answers.

Any clue as to what's going on? Am I missing anything? Do I need to reset the PCM? and will it correct itself in the low end? So far resetting the PCM has seemed like the only thing I haven't done.

note: The old engine with 223k miles on it had the same missing problem, if that makes a difference.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 03:36 PM
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Distributor does absolutely nothing for ignition timing. It controls injector timing via the cam sensor under the cap.

Getting any codes?
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 03:37 PM
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Haven't tried, a friend has my code reader. But the check engine light isn't on?
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 03:58 PM
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Probably won't help then.....

Does it start out running crappy, and continue to do so as the engine warms?
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 04:01 PM
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Yes. Warming up doesn't change the performance at all.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 04:05 PM
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Did you use your old crank sensor? (behind passenger side head, on the bellhousing) They tend to be the first casualty when doing an engine or trans swap. Might not hurt to pull it, and have a look.

Gonna need to reset fuel sync as well.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 04:05 PM
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First, go to the FAQ/DIY section and downlaod the service manual for your truck. Might want to download the parts manual as well.

To get the timing set, you will need to get Cyl #1 to TDC. Set disty so rotor is pointing to the #1 on dist cap.

Who rebuilt the engine - someone you know? A reputable shop? Wondering if timing gears are set correctly.

After getting ste up, you will need someone witha computer to set fuel synch.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 04:21 PM
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The crank sensor is brand new. It was cracked slightly when we pulled the old engine. We know for a fact it's TDC so that's not an issue. It was rebuilt by Jasper in Seattle, WA. They are pretty reputable from what i've heard. How do you reset the fuel sync?
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 04:26 PM
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Now when I first started it up after torquing everything down and checking my connections, it wouldn't even turn over until I turned the distributor.
 
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Old Apr 30, 2012 | 05:21 PM
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Wonder if the dist is 180 off.....
 
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