so heres what i found out after i got my truck scanned with the snap on scanner, the IAC is fine but when the truck is running the ignition advance fluctuates from like 12 degrees to 20 degrees according to the computer and he said that wasnt normal but couldnt give me a reason, any ideas anyone.

 

What about the black smoke, sounds like its a little too rich, like a temp sensor problem.

 

it only happened once and the temp guage seems to be dead on

 

Thats really wierd. I dunno about the starter grinding other then maybe its not lined up with the flywheel right. Or maybe its on its way out. Did you say you replaced it? Cause you know how things can be, even though its new the starter might be a lemon.

Idleing and running funny could be a billion things. When all else fails check your cat HAve you checked O2 sensors?

 

i replaced the 02 sensor, plugs, i am gonna go do the wires, cap and rotor today, the starter did that 2 days after i replaced it and only happens in winter, wtf

 

If it did it 2 days old I wouldn't doubt it if the starter was screwed up out of the box.

 

that ... or it may be a longshot...but it may need to be shimmed.... sounds nuts but.. assuming that metal contracts in cold weather..maybe it is off just a smidgen...and not mating perfectly... just an idea...

 

but it will work the 2nd or 3rd time every time, and if the truck was ran for a little while, it always works, i tried starting it with a jumper pack attached to see if it was the batery and it still did it. i am gonna rechange the starter again but i have a feeling it will be pointless

 

well, i started my truck today when it sat overnight in-15 degree winchill weather and it ran fine, you will never guess what it was, i hope this fixed it but it was a PCV valve. The starter still grinds like hell but im gonna replace it when it warms up over 10 degrees and see if the 3rd one still does it.

 

dont forget but you need to insepect EVERY tooth on your flywheel... one tooth missing or broken or grinded down could cause a reacuring problem... i know the gear on the start is "saposed" to be softer then the flywheel gear but it doesnt always tend to happen like that especially if its an aftermarket ... non mopar starter.. keep that inmind