It's not complicated when you are doing the timing chain

 

Update on my truck. I wish I could upload the video. Once in a while when it starts, I need throttle to keep it running and it sounds like a broken down diesel. Banging, knocking, clacking, stinks terrible. My first thought was timing was way off.

Then I shut it off, try to start it and it just cranks. Cycle that a few times and it finally starts and runs normally. Then maybe a few days later it does the banging clanging thing again. Yesterday when I turned key to start I got a single click, no crank, turn key off and try again and it runs. That could maybe be a loose wire or solenoid going I'm guessing

Any ideas where to look?

 

Start with the battery terminals, and major connections, both power, and ground. Clean 'em up good.

 

I checked the codes

12, 37, 54.

12 - Just have to check all connections, clean them up like stated above.

37 - Torque converter clutch solenoid CKT or Trans temp sensor too high or low ----- Open or short in CKT wiring or connectors. Voltage out of range at transmission temperature sensor input. See NOTE #1 below.
Would this cause my funky issue in gear 1 or 2 when I try accelerating around a corner after slowing down it falls on its face/bogs down until I let off and it acts like it down shifts and RPM's increase and I can go again.

54 - No cam sync signal at PCM. No fuel sync (camshaft signal) detected during engine crank. No camshaft position sensor signal was received from the distributor. Problem with the distributor synchronization circuit.
This would cause my crank but no fire issue correct? Would this also cause the raw fuel smell?

Thanks

 

Does your truck even have a trans temp sensor? It would be an external sensor on the cooler line coming out the front of the trans, if you have one, it'll be within about six inches of the trans.

Replace the cam sensor. Parts store tends to call them "pickup coil".

 

Do you think the crankshaft sensor will need to be replaced as well? The cam sensor is in the distributor, correct?

 

Depends, it wouldn't hurt but use only A MOPAR UNIT. Yes the cam sensor is in the distributor

 

I would replace any sensor with more than 100k on it.