1996 Dodge Dakota engine swap

DODGE K

MEMBER
1996 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
261,000 MILES

My 96 dakota engine recently died. The engine I installed is from a 94 of same model. Engine runs. Seems to lose fuel pressure under 60kph. The engine does not stall out but almost then picks up a little. When in motion with slight throttle pressure it backfires and burps like a fuel shortage. When pressed to the floor for a few seconds it backfires the picks up power and speed. Are these engines swapable? Original parts include:wiring harness, injector rails, throttle sensors, crankshaft position plate and sensor.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

261K! There is no problem with that. You must have taken care of it! I've owned them since 1990. Great trucks. I run mine to 200K and then get a new one.

As far as the problem, when you say original parts, do you mean you changed the parts from the original engine and placed them on the new one? Also, there weren't too many changes in the 3.9, but if left the older sensors in the engine when you changed it, the computer may not be reading things correctly.

Let me know about that, and also, make sure the crank sensor is good and not dirty.

Finally, have you checked fuel pump pressure and has the check engine light come on?

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Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 AT 9:58 PM

DODGE K

MEMBER
1 POST

Engine swap complete. By original parts I mean original parts from blown motor. At this point I have just put in the old injectors. The replacement motor had white injectors the originals are blue. The white injectors were causing too rich a fuel mix for the computer to handle at low speeds. The original white ones are much better now.I do still have to replace the o2 sensor as it was showing a short to grnd condition and seems to have minor issues. A visual of the o2 sensor shows no sign of bare or broken wires. New plugs are next on the list and an inspection of the crank sensor. I do have a repair manual but like all books it can only cover so much. Thanks for the help. P.S. Where can you get new motors? I love my baby and would like to keep her as long as possible.

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Sunday, October 4th, 2009 AT 7:18 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Right now, with the cash for clunkers rebates, there are not too many left. However, if you need one in the future, I know you can get remanufactured ones at many parts stores.

I wish I still had my 90. It was the best of all of them. My brother still has it. I gave it to him to plow his driveway and to get grain, hay. For his horses. Dakotas are great plow trucks. However, you need to use a light duty plow.

My new one rides nicer, has more power, and is more comfortable, but I would trade it in a minute if I could find an 87 - 96 with low mileage and in good shape.

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Sunday, October 4th, 2009 AT 3:48 PM