Ok, so I changed the valve cover gaskets due to an oil leak when I bought the truck. I also changed the spark plugs and wires while I was in there. I put it all back together and it runs, throws no codes, but the motor really shudders good once every few seconds, and also backfires, not necessarily at the same time.

What did I screw up? Wires? Plug gapping? Missing vacuum hose?

Any help is appreciated.

Eddie

 

Double check firing order. Has to be something related to waht you just did if it was fine before that. Make sure wires are plugged in tightly at both ends.

 

Double check the firing order like gdstock said, and also take a look at this:

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/18-16-98.htm

 

You got to keep the plug wires for #5 and #7 separate like the TSB states. Also I only run the regular Champion Copper plugs in mine, plug number QC9MC4. The Q in the part number is for a double resistor which is needed in that engine. It's a pain because I have to special order them but I just have an extra box (4 plugs) that I keep on hand in case I break one on install.

 

The link says 95-97 but its worth a shot. Mine is a 99. The more I think about it the more I'm sure its an ignition issue. I will try the recommendations and report back.

Thanks.

Eddie

 

It helped on my truck which is a 1999.

 

Ok, here's the update.

I checked my ignition wire routing and I had it all wrong. I had the right wire to the right plug, but the layout was wrong, so I rewired it. I also checked that every wire "popped" into place on each end (plug and distribution block). I also rechecked to make sure they were in the right cylinder.

So I restarted the truck, and same issue. It would idle rough, the motor would shake, and it would occassionally backfire.

And then as if to tear at my heart strings and make me think I had a chance, it smoothed out. Rock solid smooth idle, no shimmy no shake. So I starting cleaning up the tools ready to call it a success when about 5 minutes later I heard it sputter a bit. Then again. Then again. Then the backfires started, this time more often and louder then before.

Damn. So I let it sit, and then it would hardly even turn over. So I let it sit some more. This time it cranked, and started, but immediately started with the backfires.

What else can I check?

Backfires happen because unignited gas in the cylinder gets pushed out into the exhaust where it then ignites. So somewhere believe I am not getting spark. Maybe a bad plug? Maybe a bad wire? Maybe the distributor?

Hmmmn..

Eddie

 

Check for vacuum leaks at the throttle body and intake manifold. And go through and check all the vacuum hoses just to be sure. What happens if you try to open the throttle when it starts to act up? Do you have a Haynes manual?

Also, the V10s use a distributor-less ignition system.

 

Just for giggles and grins......disconnect battery and let set for a couple minutes. then reconnect and try again.

Check service manual for misfires and see what it says to check. Not familiar with the V10 myself, but some issues are the same.

V-10 got a plenum?

 

No, it does not.