i am looking to replace my current disaster with a 2001 dodge b2500 5.2 v8 van. 154,000 miles. the seller makes the claim that the computer was bad so he replaced it with a used one. he states that the used one was from a v6 so now the van does not drive. it starts but is starving for fuel according to him because the computer is programmed for a v6..


so can you put a v6 computer in a v8 and have it start? would it starve for fuel as he says (sounds logical) does anyone know if this computer can be reprogrammed? i cant get a straight answer on where the original computer is as i would simply spend the 200 and have it rebuilt. i cant seem to locate a used v8 computer and i cant dont know if they can "rebuild" this one as a v8.


any thoughts on the subject or if anyone thinks this is all bs i would appreciate the advice or scam alert. he wants 1100 for the van with a/c power windows. locks, tilt, all steel shelves in back with cage behind driver. seems like a really good deal, but i feel as though i am missing something.

 

I don't know how a computer with 6 injector and spark outputs can ever run 8, so my guess is that it's not a V6 computer.

For the $1,100 you're getting a real good deal. I would take the deal and then just get the correct computer for it (used under $200) and swap it out. If he still has the old computer where you can get all of the numbers off of it, then you'd really be in luck.

 

as you said how can in run on a 6 computer. which leads me to believe that it is something else - that is why i am asking. he confirmed he doesnt have the original computer so that makes finding one difficult. one last question. there is some type of cylinders around the spark plugs how do you get the plugs out?

 

Remove the plug wire and use a spark plug socket on an extension.

 

i hope sarcasm was attached to that. the heat shields (i am guessing that is what they are) are to narrow for spark plug wrench. i assumed these were something i had never seen before and they had to come out first?

 

I have never removed the heat shields, my spark plug socket goes right through. Now are you using the 5/8 socket or the 13/16 socket? If the latter it will not work for you need the 5/8 socket.

 

Um, no...there was no sarcasm intended. All I do is remove the plug wire and then use a 3" extension on a 5/8" spark plug socket with a ratchet to remove them.

 

While I understand that inspecting the plugs could help one diagnose drivability issues, I am not following the logic of your doing so.

Did you buy the van? and get it to run, but badly.
Are you hoping that the simplest thing you could do, which is proving very difficult for you, is magically going to allow the engine to run, and halleleuah, problem solved?

Are you gonna throw hundreds of dollars of parts at it, without having a clue to why it is not running?

Can you believe the seller, or do you just want to?

If indeed it is an ECM for a six cylinder is it not logical to first confirm this?
And if it is for a six cylinder, what is changing/ inspecting the plugs gonna do?

It sounds like the seller is either very dishonest, or a very honest idiot, an I would not buy a vehicle previously owned by an idiot, even if it appeared to be a good deal, except for the fact it doesn't work.

But if you did buy it, I look forward to the future multiple page threads you will start. They can prove to be amusing, if exasperating.

 

no land yacht i am not assuming some cheap miracle. nor do i really believe the story about the computer that is why i posted the original question. i did not buy the vehicle yet as i am concerned that it could have multiple things wrong that i cannot see or hear. i do agree with alloro that 200 for a used computer plus the purchase price and i have a great deal. when i bought my 94 it wasnt running. i was told it needed a fuel pump. once i got it running i learned that the plumbing company stopped driving it and let it sit because of the real issues, fortunately i was able to fix them cheap.
on the other points, yes it is logical to confirm the ECM is from which type vehicle. i just havent figured out how to do that just yet. i do not intend to change the plugs the vehicle now magically doesnt start when i went to look at the vehicle i want to look at the plugs. on my 89 that ended up with the cracked cylinder wall (still running driven over 800 miles since i put the new new coil in it) i can it on the plug.
lets say i agree with alloro how can it run (if it does) on a six cylinder firing order and fuel pattern. then there is something else wrong. oh and one last thing it seems that my 5/8 plug wrench must need a diet. as the side walls are the same size as the heat shields. so now that i have received actual answers from two very helpful posts i am going to go buy a cheap chinese one and see if it will fit down in there.

 

My latest spark plug sockets I got from O'Reilly auto parts. They have built in magnets to hold the plug instead of the rubber insert, cost about 7.00 each plus tax.