89 Dakota Running rough.

[Snakeeyes51]

Hey all,
My dad is the mechanic in the family, but is currently 2500 miles away, and I need to figure out what is wrong with my truck so I can try to fix it. It was running fine last night (understanding of course this truck has 120 000 miles on it, and has a LOT of problems to begin with) and now this morning (under a couple inches of snow) has decided to stop working properly. I fired it up and it idles rougher than all hell and dies. I fired it up a couple times to the same effect. When given gas and put in gear it continues to die unless constant gas is fed to it.

When moving (I took it around the block) it was changing the way it would run something fierce. It was rough and making a lot of noise, and then would kick back to normal revving and sounds, and then back to rough. This came out of nowhere and is really frustrating. I love this little pickup but she and I have been butting heads lately. I know she needs a new thermostat, but that wasn't causing these kinds of problems as of late?

Help.
Thanks

PS. I'd also like to point out I recently changed the spark plugs (a couple months ago) and changed out the fuel filter last month and the PCV valve. just in case that matters.

[Gizmokid2005]

Check the lines to and from your fuel filter, there may be a loose connection. Also check your EGR valve, that will cause those problems also.

[Stevo2]

Originally Posted by Snakeeyes51

Hey all,
My dad is the mechanic in the family, but is currently 2500 miles away, and I need to figure out what is wrong with my truck so I can try to fix it. It was running fine last night (understanding of course this truck has 120 000 miles on it, and has a LOT of problems to begin with) and now this morning (under a couple inches of snow) has decided to stop working properly. I fired it up and it idles rougher than all hell and dies. I fired it up a couple times to the same effect. When given gas and put in gear it continues to die unless constant gas is fed to it.

When moving (I took it around the block) it was changing the way it would run something fierce. It was rough and making a lot of noise, and then would kick back to normal revving and sounds, and then back to rough. This came out of nowhere and is really frustrating. I love this little pickup but she and I have been butting heads lately. I know she needs a new thermostat, but that wasn't causing these kinds of problems as of late?

Help.
Thanks

PS. I'd also like to point out I recently changed the spark plugs (a couple months ago) and changed out the fuel filter last month and the PCV valve. just in case that matters.

Put a can of Heet, SeaFoam or other product in the gas tank to remove water. Spray the inside of the distributor, rotor and cap with WD-40 and see what happens. You can check the plug wires and also spray them with WD-40. Could be one of the wires is breaking down electrically.

[weezil]

Check the Hall effect pick up reluctor in the distributor. They were mfd with plastic buttons that wear out and the pick up reads at different angles causing the roughness.