I have a 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Laramie SLT (5.2L V-8). Here is the problem I'm having: from a dead start the engine is very slow to pick up speed and the RPM needle will sit at 2 until I get to 40-50mph, then the needle will drop back down and in order to go any faster I have to push the gas pedal all the way to the floor.

The previous owner had the transmission rebuilt (that was about three or four years ago), then last weekend I dropped the tranny pan and installed a new gasket and filter (filled it back up with ATF +4). Also, I had a new distributor installed last summer.

I was just wondering if anyone would have any ideas what could be causing this sluggish behavior?

Thanks.

 

Couple things:

1. Fuel sync. This MUST be reset if the distributor is moved.

2. TV cable. Make sure it is hooked up, and properly adjusted.

have to have a pretty good scanner to correctly set fuel sync. Most of the parts store code readers won't give you that bit of data. Probably have to take it to a shop.

TV cable adjustment is in the factory service manual.

 

I just went to a friend's house. This is a guy who is like Wilson on Home Improvement: he knows everything about anything. He checked out the truck and we even took it for a drive and he said it's just in my head—the truck runs great.

 

It's a 5.2, they don't have the same grunt as the 5.9s. I thought for a couple years mine was sluggish until I watched some Youtube videos of other 5.2s and now realize this is normal for these little V8s.

 

That's what Wilson said, too. He helped me diagnose an check engine light a few months back, said it was loosing compression in the gas line. He asked if my gas cap was all right. I showed him the gas cap I had on there, which was loose and didn't fit at all. He asked me where I got it and I told him my ex had ordered it off Amazon. He laughed and told me to get a proper gas cap, so I did. After that it was fine, until about a month ago when the check engine light came on again.

This time he hooked up his computer gadget again and it showed a 411 code. Something to do with the vacuum compression. We weren't sure what could be causing this, so he cleared the code for me. He said the truck is running great, so don't worry about it.

He also advised me not to let any more women purchase parts for it off Amazon.

 

Yeah, they're tough as nails and will get the work done, but lower RPMs aren't their forte.

 

Mine doesn't give a damn about high rpms either, it'll move most anything..... When it's ready at its own pace

 

Have you fixed the plenum? Your cat could be clogging or clogged remove the front o2 and see if it gets some power back you can also go to any exhaust shop and they should be able to check your back pressure it should be 6-7 psi if memory serves me right.

 

Thanks for the tip, JP. I'll have to check on that.

 

2 to 3psi backpressure is ok, more than that and it's probably restricted flow.