Ok, we drove my son’s 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 3.9L V6 up on the ramps, was running fine. Pulled the tranny, had a pickle of a time getting the pilot bearing out but eventually did, pulled the flywheel and cleaned it up (didn’t mark it), fixed an oil leak in the rear main seal, put it all back together and it gets plenty of spark but won’t fire. Replaced the crank sensor on the back on the tranny, still tries to start but just won’t. Now, the flywheel for this truck is discontinued and I can’t find a pic of it anywhere. With only 6 bolts and no dial pin, you wouldn’t think placement would be an issue but since the crank sensor on this model is on the back on the tranny, could that cause it not to start? Hayne’s manual doesn’t say anything about exact flywheel placement... about at the end of my rope lol. Any help? Please?

 

Check the wiring for the cam position sensor in the distributor, make sure it is still hooked up, and the wires didn't get crushed between the engine and trans.

 

We firgured that could be it, forgot to mention we replaced that sensor also and a new distributor cap for good measure. Still won’t start but it gets great spark.

 

Put the old sensors back on. New sensors, unless OEM, don't act nicely. If the old ones worked, why replace them? Check the cap wires / order.

Why is the flywheel discontinued? Isn't the V6 the same as the 5.2 without two cylinders? There's plenty of 5.2 flywheels. . . weird

 

Grab a service manual from here. Have a look at the procedure for R&R the flexplate, and see what it has to say. Might need to drop the trans again......

 

Did you try spraying some gas or a very small shot of ether to see if it's a fuel issue?

 

The old crank sensor was broken in the repair (who knew it was in the rear) so it had to be replaced.. when checking the cam sensor the wires were so twisted and frayed that it was also a necessity to change.

The dealership looked up the flywheel by vin, discontinued and no replacement found so go figure. I guess my main question is if anyone knows the exact placement for the flywheel on this truck. There was no dial pin, 6 bolts and an extra hole, and I’m not sure if the no start would have to do with the position of the tone ring.

 

Did you loosen and move the distributor?

 

The bolt holes should be off-center. I.E. you can't screw them up. If they all found a hole, you're fine.

Besides, the ring gear just needs to contact the starter gears. That's it. What's a tone ring?

 

Thought maybe the same thing, sprayed brake cleaner and nothing.. tried a little gas nothing. Still plenty of spark, no start.