1994 Dakota 318 V8 Runs like crap

[MyOwnDemise]

I just got a 92 Dakota V8 with 130k on it. It has a hard time starting but when it starts it idles fine. When I put it into drive I can creep it foreward or backwards but when I step on the gas its like it wants to die. I can go 20mph tops with this thing. Its a gorgeous truck and I dont want to get rid of it. I changed the inline fuel filter on it with no success. Could it be the fuel pump? The wires look new, but I havent pulled them off yet and checked the plugs. Any help would be appreciated


FYI - Not a newb, I have been reading this site for close to 3 years I just rarely have had a need to post!

[troy1]

Go get it checked for codes.

[MyOwnDemise]

No codes - mechanic pal of mine brought his tester to my house because the truck isnt on the road. Changing out fuel pump next week. Before I do that, is there a difference between the 3.9 and the 5.2 fuel pump? The gas tanks looked identical.

[Benzman]

Could be the fuel pump, or the sock on the fuel pump. If there is water in the tank, the sock will restrict almost immediately. Changing the pump will only temporarily fix the problem in that case.

Could also be old fuel in the tank, if it has been sitting a while.

In either of those cases, I would empty the tank, refil it with fresh fuel.

Could be a clogged Catylitic converter or muffler.

Could also be low cylinder compression, not a good situation.

Does the engine increase in RPM smoothly, if it is left in neutral (no engine load)?

[MyOwnDemise]

The idle is smooth no matter what gear Im in. I think when I drop the tank to change the pump Ill empty it out and just put fresh gas in it. I will post pics of the work I do as things progress. I will also post pics of the truck today or tomorrow

[MyOwnDemise]

Update as of 7pm - I went to the salvage yard and ended up talking to the guys there. I tried the easiest inexpensive thing that I overlooked (Because my old 93 had a similar problem) and put drygas in it. AStarted up on the second crank and runs like a top. I love my DODGE!!

[Benzman]

Is "drygas" a water remover for fuel, similar to Heat?
If so, then it was water in the tank, clogging the filter bag on the fuel pump.
Just put more of the "drygas" in the next 2 or 3 times that you fill the tank.

[MyOwnDemise]

Originally Posted by Benzman

Is "drygas" a water remover for fuel, similar to Heat?
If so, then it was water in the tank, clogging the filter bag on the fuel pump.
Just put more of the "drygas" in the next 2 or 3 times that you fill the tank.

Yes it is. It still hesitates somewhat but the cold of night and the sun in the day makes a difference I think. Also I was just told that it sat for 3 months, so just running the old gas out will take a little bit of time. So far so good with it - but I have no heat!!! My blower motor is shot, any advice there?

[jdmccright]

Condensation can happen in a nearly empty fuel tank when the temperature drops sharply (day to night). WTG in finding the ultimate cheap solution!

As far as the blower, check the fuses first, then yank it out and see if it spins freely by hand. If not, the bearings have seized or are shot. You MIGHT be able to disassemble the motor or just squirt some lube into the ends where the bearings are...a stopgap fix at best. A continuity check will test the coil around the motor...no continuity means bad coil and time for a new blower.