So i have a 99 dodge ram 1500 van with a v6 3.9L and do to some mechanical issues I needed to replace my lower engine block. I bought a used lower out of 96 Dakota, and since putting it all back together we cant get it to start. It has spark and fuel. We are not sure what's the issue. We've been adjusting the timing, and nothing seems to work. The original lower and timing chain had a tension-er on it. The salvaged one from the 96 did not. We don't think that is causing the issue, but we are running out of hypotheses. Has anyone experienced a similar problem? Any thoughts or advice would be great!

Cheers!

 

Distributor 180 out??

 

The tensioner keeps things tight. Like Heyyou said, you could be 180 degrees off or your inje=ctor and ignition spark aren't synchronized. I would think it would run, but poorly, but my training and experience is on older stuff.

 

Remove the #1 spark plug and line up the timing mark to TDC. Insert something thin into the spark plug hole to feel if the piston is at the top or bottom of the cylinder. If the piston is at the bottom and the rotor is pointed at the #1 tower, then the distributor is 180 off. If the piston is at the top and the rotor is pointing at the #1 tower, then it is correct. Did you happen to by any chance, lift up and turn the gear at the bottom of the distributor that engages the camshaft?