(97 5.9 knocks under acceleration.

Hi, My ram 5.9 knocks under acceleration. I've just pulled my plugs and 7 are fine. Back passenger side is covered in soot. I'm sure I've read some where about intake plenum problems in the past. Is this my problem? It's using some oil. Thanks for the help.

Is the Check Engine light on?
Has the ignition timing been changed or set lately?

No changes to the timing and no check engine light on.

Does the engine miss or go flat under hard acceleration?
Is this after the engine is warmed up?
How many miles is on the engine and how long since a tune-up with new spark plug wires?

If you have a library card you can access this.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,cpid&custid=s5521818&profile=autorefctr. I had a little trouble with one word (center) in my search. I forgot in Canada you spell it centre. This has some basic repair gudes but it has the TSB's where you will be able to search for the plenum pan gasket problem. TSB # is 09-05-00. The TSB shows how to diagnose and repair and gives you the torque pattern you have to follow. Timing is not adjustable on your engine. You set the synch signal on the dist. Also look around for the TSB for plug wire reroute.

Just make sure your spark plug wires are not crossing and touching each other.

Make sure your ignition coil wiring, #8 and #7 wires are routed properly.

Look at this link http://autorepair.about.com/cs/faqs/l/bl654h.htm