Help! I've got a 94 1500 with a 318 (5.2) magnum engine that has performed well for 10.5 years and 178000 miles that has started letting me down with a miss that can't be explained by the local dealer or two other local mechanics. This has required towing on two occasions already. The miss occurs when letting off the gas part way as in topping a hill or descending a slight downgrade. If I then let off completely or press harder to accelerate again, the engine runns fine again. We (various mechanics, the dealer, and me in the driveway) have thrown parts, etc at it including: tune up, plugs, cap, rotor, wires, crankshaft pos. sensor, camshaft pos. sensor, throttle pos sensor, map sensor, egr valve, fuel pump, fuel filter, etc. with only a slight improvement (haven't been towed in several weeks, but it still misses). This truck idles fine and still gets up and goes when I ask it, but I don't trust it anymore. I'm at 179000 miles with an old friend and will have to give up on it if I can't figure this out. Thank you for any help.

 

Are you using any oil? Whats the running and static compresson on the engine. Has the check enging light ever come on?

 

You've probably done this but I didn't see it listed...check for vacuum leaks?

 

No error codes in the computer? I'm just gonna throw some things out and see where it takes us.

Has the timing chain and gears ever been replaced?

Did you run through this TSB for plug wire routing?
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/18-48-98.htm

Someone told me once of a problem inside the distributor where the "interuptor" would become loose and move back and forth. I guess it's plastic and it's the part that goes past the hall effect assembly/camshaft position sensor to make the proper pulses.


When you had to have it towed, what was it doing or not doing?

I'm sure you have already used a can of Mopar Combustion Chamber Cleaner or SeaFoam to clean up the injectors and combustions chambers?

Is there any noticeable spark knock or high oil comsumption at times?

2 more things that come to mind during decel are the VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor and the IAC Idle Air Control motor on the Throtle Body.

Is your catalytic convertor having problems?


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That TSB does not apply, Different distrubitors. 1994 had the two screws that held it on. I would perform a running and static test on the engine, the valve train could be worn with that many miles.

 

Thx-I deleted that TSB. It was for up to 1993 Dakota and he has a 94.