I posted earlyer about my truck shutting off whenever I let off the accelerator. It would either fluctuate between 800 rpm and 300 rpm or shut off completely. It runs fine (for the most part) while the engine is cold, idleing just below 1000 rpm but gets worse around 150 degrees F. I replaced the tps (throttle position sensor), spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor and still have the problem. My question (besides what could be wrong) how can I clean my fuel filter?

I read in my chiltons book that the fuel filter in 97 rams cant be cleaned, dosent need to be cleaned and that is that. It goes on to tell me that if it gets clogged I need to buy a whole new one I just want to clean the sob to see if that solves anything. And if it dosent then I know I need to buy a new fuel pump. I know the filters only 30 some odd dollars but Im currently unemployed and need to fix the problem cheeply.

If anyone has had this problem or knows what could be causing it Id really appreciate a reply. Also if anyone know a way to clean the fuel filter, weather dodge wants you to or not, please let me know. Im guessing its a money thing with dodge because why make this reletively inexpensive but very important part cleanable when you can just as easyily make moremoney buy telling the consumer you cant clean it and need to buy a new one.

One more thing... My throttle cables seem limp, very limp. I noticed this after going on the beach and doing a few brodies. Now my engine dosent put out half the power it did. I noticed just above the accelerator pedal that theres a few inches of cable that extends out. So i mickey moused a spacer and taped it on. Now I have power like never before. Is it normal for the throttle cables to be so limp? thanks for any answers.
Chad

Truck specs:
4WD 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 club cab short bed
5.9 liter magnum V8

 

Does anyone have any suggestions? anything? See how upset I am! I cant drive my truck. Please donate your thoughts here And see If you can make me go from this [&:] to this !!!

 

Looks like your fuel filter is in the tank attached to the pump. You replace the whole thing at once. Your problem sounds like your hot idle is out of adjustment or you have a vacuum leak. When the engine warms up the vacuum system opens more air to burn. When cold it shuts down some air going into the system. Works like a choke. Sounds like a classic vacuum leak or vacuum related problem. As for the cable, I think you need a new one. You probably stressed it when you slammed your foot down to the floor as you were throwing sand an dirt. I've never done that before![sm=devilangel.gif]

 

Yeah those brodies and such are fun but stupid. I always tell myself "Im gonna go easy this time" then my primal stupidity takes over and costs me $500 in repairs.

 

But whats the point of having the 4X4 if you don't use it. If it broke fix it, if not fix it anyway right?

 

Absolutely! or have a friend that dosent know what the hell hes doing do it for you.

 

Check your fuel pressure when the condition is present.

 

yea, i thought that unit was a unit.. one of the take three bolts out of your bed, loosen the other three, prop your bed up with some 2by4's and replace, not serviceable so i thought??

the only real preventative maintenance you can do is to keep your truck gassed up, cools the fuel pump and allows it to not starve, heating up the motor. alway skeep above half a tank cause fixing is such a pain...