I own a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2l engine. I love the 318.

Okay here is how it went down. I filled up bout 45$ in gas. I started drive to my dads to check on him. My engine started cutting in and out bout 1/4 mile away. I stopped it died. I started it up again to get it home because i dont not have money for the tow. Would run for 3 seconds good then run like **** for 3. Runned like a loop like that. Called around and asked a few people they said might be the manifold. I knew it was goin bad. put bout 200 miles on it since i bought it. I waited 2 weeks. It wouldnt start at all then crank but not starting. I tore into it 2 days ago changed the manifold out with a new one because the other one gasktet was burnt into it... And put new gasket on it.. wouldnt start without spraying starting fluid in the air filter area. I then messed with wires on the pump idk if that had anything to do with it. But then itd start hard and run for like 20-30 seconds then die. ANy pressure to the gas pedal it would die. Hmm... Idk what else to do. I want my baby back lol

Please Help

Robert Powell

Edit- Check engine light went on when this all happened on the highway. Now it dont have it anymore. I unhooked the battery to work on the manifold... I do have a code reader. I dont have a vehicle. My saturn (plasticmobile) is down and now so it my truck. The oil light is on now when i have key in ignition and try to start it... Oil pressure is still half way when i try to start it. I have no idea what is wrong. Em... I dont think i am missing anything. I had oil change when i bought it. The gas gauge does not work either hasnt since i bought it. Havent done any modifications. Was played by my ex so currently dont have alot of cash. Stupid choice. But anyways i need help. I changed the plugs when i changed the manifold...

 

Test for fuel psi at the fuel rail if you have the test port use a test gauge should be approx 39 psi. Do you hear the fuel pump at all when you turn on the key? Check all the wiring going to the pump. I would say you need a new fuel pump module. You could try the old beat the bottom of the gas tank and see if it will start, if it does don't trust it get a new pump.

 

I dont have a test gauge. I pushed the port down after i started it and it died and the fuel came out not spray high pressure but kinda like when u turn off the water on a hose and it dies off... I hear the fuel pump kick on when i try to start it.

 

If it runs on starting fluid then it's a lack of fuel, need to find out why you are not getting it. It should spray a good stream out of the test port, the system does bleed off psi when shut off but not that fast.

 

But see i thought about that too. But the truck starts by itself now. Its hard but runs for 20-30 seconds then die and if i press the gas or throttle cable.

 

PSI should be up around 49, unless older ones are different than 98 thru 01. Good bet the pump is failing. Try to keep tank at 1/4 to full to get the most out of a new fuel pump, if that turns out to be the issue. Consistently driving with low tank will burn out pump quicker.

 

^^^ 94-95 it's approx 39, 96 and up it's 49 psi.

 

So do you think its the fuel pump? Its 3/4-full way full now. Do I drop the tank or move the bed of the truck off and do it that way? Its a 26 gallon tank and almost full would weigh round 300lbs... how can I tell its fuel pump or any other possible things?

 

For me it's drop the tank, why put a new pump in a possibly contaminated tank. With the tank out you can clean it out good and ready for the new pump. To get the gas out disconnect the fuel filler hose and using a siphon hose (down in the filler hose) siphon the gas out into jerry cans.

 

How can I safely drop the fuel tank when it weighs that much?