Normally lately the truck idles in park at about 600 and about 500rpm in gear. When it cranks and doesn't start it sputters for a second and feels like its beginning to fire but diesels for a couple seconds and falls flat

Today I unplugged the pcv vacuum hose off the fitting and let it hang. The increased vacuum bumped the idle to 850 and a perfect 750 in gear and runs 80% better. I'm still getting the same codes and light throttle stumbe but w the vacuum hose unplugged its driveable and has some power back

 

I just wanna say I'm rooting for you. I like epic battles and you definitely have one. Best of luck!

(side note, I got my cps from advance auto parts when my 96 1500 needed it replaced. Worked great, I'll find the brand for you If you want. )

 

The first and second borg warners were likely fine

New PCv valve hooked up did nothing positive. Still needs/uses the extra vacuum and runs so much better w the hose disconnected

Also replaced throttle position sensor (bws) and it seems to have cured my wot problem

New battery cable clamps next and cleaning/fixing of any dirty wiring. Wiggle tested all wires w engine running, no change

Still have light throttle hesitation especially when letting off throttle

Still cranks and stumbles/"diesels" 3/4 times on starts

Still getting crank/cam/pcm circuit codes

 

Double

 

Turns out my pcm was death flashed in 2001. Could this be causing problems w a new distributor and ign system after plenum fix?

 

this is likely the root of the problem. since you've already changed both of these sensors with no change in behavior, then its probably in the wiring or the pcm.

not fun, but i'd look for a wiring diagram on the 97, and closely inspect any wiring in these circuits not already replaced. also look for squirrel or mouse damage. take the harness apart as needed to inspect.

if that doesn't turn up anything, i'd replace the pcm with a junk yard or loaner from a buddy

or last resort - take it to a dodge tech with the high dollar equipment for a 1 hour diagnosis of what might be wrong. better to spend $120 for a scanner check than beat your head against the wall and replace perfectly good parts.

 

Getting true duals and o2 sensors at the exhaust shop now. On my way here under throttle a couple times I heard a high pitched whizzing sound and an odd smell like some sort of synthetic oil coming from the passenger side dash area

Are the pcms cooled with some sort of pump and oil by any chance?

 

um, no.

i think your pcm was cooled by a blowout in the AC evaporator coil, which is located conveniently under the cracked dash, beside the leaking heater core.

time the burn that sob.

 

At first id get super frustrated with it. Now its a challenge and forces me to learn and understand at a deeper level. I've learned what the problem is. Almost everything

These trucks are tanks but after a few years everything needs to be replaced and repaired. I'd say there were more than a couple design flaws. PO negligence does not help

My true duals sound wicked tho. And I'm lucky enough to not have a cracked dash

 

time will make you into a member of the club. mine wasn't cracked either until i started parking out in the sun. cover yours with a quilt or something.


where did you mount your O2 sensors?