Hey guys! New to the forum. I just bought a '96 2500 V10 with 85k miles. Seller told me it sat for the past 2 years. It takes about 10 or more revolutions to get it to even sputter and then it sounds like the cylinders slowly turn on one at a time. It has a slightly rough idle but doesn't lope. Seems to run great with full power off of idle. It will restart easily within about 15 seconds of shutdown. After that it starts like its cold. It seems to turn over a little slower than it should but I wouldn't think a slightly weak battery would cause these problems.

The truck has had about 1000 miles put on it since its resurrection with about 2-3 tanks of fuel through it. I added some fuel system cleaner to the tank but we all know how much that stuff is worth.

I have replaced the spark plugs, IAC, and cleaned the throttle body. Those didn't help at all. Any suggestions? Fuel system leak? Thanks a ton!

 

If it sat for 2 years, I would drop the gas tank, empty it, clean it out good, reinstall, and put in some FRESH gas. Flushing out the fuel system wouldn't hurt either. (just disconnect line from fuel rail, and cycle the ignition a couple times to pump clean gas thru the line.) See if that doesn't help.

 

I agree with Hey You...if you can't flush your fuel system...and there is a low gas amount in the tank; try the enzyme fuel conditioner (it is blue and about $10) and some fresh fuel. Listen to your fuel pump behind the driver's side of the bed when the key is turned (without cranking the engine). It should cycle in 2 seconds then stop as there is no return line for these fuel systems. If it is slow to prime, then you have filter/flow issues with the pump and you'll have to drop the tank. My V10 starts after three turns or less, mine's a stock 1994 with 143K miles...best 'o luck...

P.S. Did you replace the wires with the plugs? A leaky wire will make the engine lope or idle or even loose power in the mid band of the power curve...

 

I just edited the first post. I forgot to mention I've put about 1000 miles since bringing her back to life. Do you really think draining the tank is worth while even with so much fuel run through it?

When changing the plugs I noticed one of the wires has a small split or pin hole but I didn't think much of it. I guess I need to replace them, eh? I can live with a slightly rough idle but my major concern is the long start times. My past Dodges have always popped off at the touch of the key.

I can get a cheap fuel gauge from Harbor Freight to check fuel pressure If needed.

 

Fuel pump needs replace , or at least the pressure regulator thats on top of it. Also read the plenum stickie. And at the least, get new plugs and wires and route them like this http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/18-48-98/18-48-98-v8.htm

 

Zman, does the V8 wire routing apply to my V10? I have coil packs mounted on the side and not a distributor on the front.

I have a feeling it's the fuel pump as well. Does anyone have instructions for checking fuel pressure? I'd like to make sure before I throw $150 at it. Thanks!

 

As for wire routing, as long as they are not laying across each other they will not cause misfires. With your V10 I think that should be easy.

 

V-10 doesn't have to worry about the plenum issues either.

I still think it would be a good idea to drop the tank, and see who is home. Another member bought a truck that had sat for a while, and found quite a bit of water in the tank. That will most certainly make your truck run funny.

 

And then it might stop running funny... stop running at all!

 

Sounds good guys. Anyone have info on a fuel pressure check?