Hello guys, I have a 1995 dodge ram 1500 3.9L v6 with around 300k miles. It had stopped running a couple weeks ago which was caused by a bad timing chain, replaced it and had also replaced many things including ignition coil, distributor cap, distributor rotor, I also have new coolant sensor, VSS sensor, o2 sensor, and I have good spark plugs. But when I got it running, it idles at around 700-800 rpm’s, but it feels shaky/rough, but it stays on, when in gear it does feel alittle more rough/ shaky and when I turn the steering wheel it loses a lot of power and almost feels like it’s gonna shut off, it drives but when I let off the gas it loses power and stalls, also when I rev it to like 3k rpms or more it turns off completely after letting go of the accelerator. I do have a broken vaccum like that’s infront of the throttle body which ima try and fix tomorrow and see if that’s the problem but I just wanted to get some ideas because I haven’t been able to get it to run good even with moving the distributor to time the ignition with the light. ( I believe the timing is controlled by the computer)

 

I'd be sure to fix any vacuum hoses/leaks, as they will certainly cause issues. You may also want to remove and thoroughly clean the throttle body, while installing a new throttle body gasket. Lastly, did you install new copper spark plugs and new spark plug wires?

 

Yes ill make sure to fix that leak, ill give it a cleaning tomorrow and see if it works. when i replaced everything i did it all except the wires, and the spark plugs were platinum from autozone and worked great before it stopped running( plugs were changed maybe 1-2 months before the chain went out.). Ill update u tomorrow see if it runs better.

 

Also, try pulling those platinum plugs and install copper plugs to see if it runs better. 5.2/5.9 engines tend to run smoother with cheap copper plugs.. You could have a bad spark plug wire or two as well. Lastly, be sure to check the spark plug firing order to ensure each plug wire is routed correctly.

 

sounds good boss thank you! ill be sure to try that out

 

Timing is controlled with the computer and cannot be adjusted with a light. If you have loosened the distributor from the block it will need to be synced in with a computer now. Manually adjusting you should be able to find a decent spot for it to run, or if you by chance marked it before adjusting it.

 

I fixed the leak, it changed nothing. I checked the wires with the diagram and they all look correct. tried the copper plugs and it seems to still not run any different . it idles at a good rpm but gives a lot of vibration, also when I rev it up over 3-4 rpms it lets out a big cloud of white smoke, and loses power then regains it shortly.

 

hey dodgetruck2, Do you know if it automatically adjust? I did move it to where it runs decent but it feels like something isn't in sync with everything else

 

White smoke? That is not a good sign... are you losing any coolant?

Grab the service manual for your truck from here. There is a procedure for setting base fuel sync, which will at least get you close.

 

Not enough for me to notice, oil seems to be kinda dark and more watery than oil even tho I did a fresh oil change. Not sure if the picture is enough to tell anything....