I have a 98 4x4 with a 318. My problem is that it won't start without me giving it gas. Once it starts I have to hold it above 1500 or so rpms to keep it running. If I let off the gas it dies instantly. Also when I'm cranking I smell gas pretty strong. I've done the plenum plate and there's no cat and also no front o2 sensor. Could the lack of an o2 sensor cause my motor to basically be drowning itself? It ran fine for 6 or so months before it just started running rough and now not at all. I'm not getting any codes either. I also just cleaned the throttle body and IAC and it didn't make a difference.

 

O2 sensor won't do that.

I would have a look at the engine temp sensor... its right behind the alternator.

 

I replaced it when I did the plenum, but I guess it could be bad again. I'll check it and see what happens.

 

How long ago was that??

 

A little over a year ago. It reads on the dash fine, but I've also put in 2 brand new thermostats in a row that didn't work.

 

So you have to give it gas for it to start? I kinda wonder what your fuel pressure looks like, low pressure could explain that symptom, but the heavy gas smell is another thing. Have you visually verified that you don't have any obvious leaks? Maybe a torn or missing O ring on an injector....


You guys are both in Michigan......

 

I bought a coolant temp sensor and I'm going to buy a fuel pressure tester in the morning, but I thought the same thing, smelling fuel isn't a fuel pressure problem, but wierder things have happened. And there are no leaks I can see.

 

Flint is about 2-3 hours from me.

If you can, plug a scanner into it, when it is stone cold, and see what the PCM thinks the temp is.

 

I noticed that you were only a few hours from me. I don't think my scanner will let me do that, but I'll play around with it tomorrow and see.

 

my 99 dodge was doing the samething i wouldnt start you could smeel gas real bad some mornings i would wake up and it wouldnt start at all i replaced the pickup in the destributor and the crank sensor the on the back of the motor on top of the flywheel and its been running fine ever since