I'd like to pick your brains a lil bit and see if you can lead me in a direction I haven' t thought of yet.
I have a 98 quad w/ the 318(just bought). The truck has no power. What are the usual suspects? I'm thinking, gutting the cat(shhhh!),
look @ the o2 sensor while there. Plugs/wires, fuel filter(that's a lil pricey correct!), and maybe timing chain(ugghh!).
Does this look like a good plan to run with?
Thanks in advance!

 

What year is the truck? How many miles?

If the mileage is over 60,000, then the cat could be the culprit. It's fairly common on the 2nd gen Rams.

Fuel filter/pump is another possibility. If you suspect this, you can check the pressure on the fuel rail by attaching a fuel pressure gauge to the schrader valve that's under a black screw on cap on the fuel rail. Then you should be able to tell if the pressure is low or not. If it is, drop the tank and replace the fuel pump.

 

Thank you!!! The truck is a 98 w/ the 318. It has 147K on it.
How much should I think about timing belt stretch/deterioration?

 

Hmmm...147k, I'd definitely check out that converter...assuming it's original.

Timing belt stretch is common on the 318 and 360 as well, but I'm not sure it would cause that huge of a power loss. It's definitely something I would put on my list of things to fix though I know there are several members here that have had to do it.

 

Yeah, that was my first thought.......but if I can't eat it out...........that sux!!!
R U certain that I'll start throwin' codes if I eat the thing out?

 

dude, timing CHAIN!!! these ant no 4 bangers

 

There is a way to check the timing chain for wear. These trucks make it very dificult though.

Take the distibutor cap off and leave the rotor on. Do to location someone else will need to assist with the next step. Put a breaker bar and socket on the crank and turn while watching the rotor turn. Enough to start it moving. Now turn the crank in the opposite direction and take note to how far the crank turns before the rotor button stars to move. This tells you that either the timing chain or the distributor gears have wear. It's usually the chain. It gets the most abuse. There will be a slight amount of give unless it is brand new. Judgement call.

 

ok, what are the symptoms?
If you just bought the truck how do you know it has a power loss?
Is it a auto or standard tranny.

You really havent given us any information to help you.

 

Well, I can jump out of my chevy w/ the 327 in it and there is such a major difference in power .
I don't feel there would be that much of a power variance or Dodge probably wouldn't have sold as many trucks!
It's an auto tranny.

 

Look on the door jambs of both your chevy and your DODGE and compare the vehicle weight. You probably have the beancounter flash. Look for a sticker on the ECM or around the motor compartment that says something about an authorized computer update.
If you have it the only way to get rid of it is to buy a programmer.

Such as Superchips or Hypertech