Slight stumble with possible backfire

Tiny
WILLIAM CRABTREE
  • MECHANIC
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,500 MILES
Confused is the word that comes to mind right now to describe how I am feeling.

I decided to do plugs and wires on my truck listed above. Should be an easy job, right? Wrong. I did the plugs and wires. I used the E3 Diamond Fire spark plugs and a good set of plug wires. While installing the wires, I noticed that the distributor cap was loose on one side. I have had the truck for a year, and in that time have not changed the plugs and wires. Strange, because that is usually one of the first things I do. The truck has 82,000 miles on it. The loose distributor cap was caused by only having one bolt holding the cap down, plus a zip tie on the other side. There was a broken bolt on the side with the zip tie. So, I removed the distributor, drilled out the broken screw, and reinstalled the distributor along with a new cap and rotor. The truck fires up, runs fairly smooth at idle.

When you drive the truck, it seems under very light throttle (while in motion) or when decelerating, it "surges" and may be backfiring just a little bit. But if you get on the throttle, it seems fine. Under powered, but fine.

I need help to solve this problem because I need to take this truck on a road trip this coming weekend. Ideas?
Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 AT 12:20 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
You dropped the distributor in EXACTLY like it came out? (Rotor button ended up in the same position as before?)

Engine was not moved/ disturbed while it was out?

Did you time it with a timing light?

All wires got connected back?

Your turn,

The Medic
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Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 AT 5:43 PM
Tiny
WILLIAM CRABTREE
  • MECHANIC
  • 95 POSTS
This distributor has a slot on the shaft instead of gears. So theoretically you can either have the timing right on or 180 out, right? Nothing else on the engine was disturbed during the 30 minutes the distributor was out. I was the only one near the truck during that time. Plug wires all tight and I verified the firing order and plug wire positions are correct. Possibly the timing is retarded too far on the adjustment. I don't have a timing light right now so I can't check.
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Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
So it is in correct? Not 180 out?

You've tried moving it while it was running?

Sometimes you can find a good deal on a timing light at a pawn shop.

The Medic
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
WILLIAM CRABTREE
  • MECHANIC
  • 95 POSTS
It is in correct, I made sure the rotor was in the same direction. I haven't moved the distributor while the truck is running, I don't want to lay across the top of a hot engine to move the distributor. Probably best to take it to a shop.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,895 POSTS
Hi WILLIAM,

The problem is probably your spark plugs, I would remove them and install factory plugs. I know its tough to believe but it really makes a difference. What ever the factory installs are the ones you want.

Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Sunday, February 26th, 2017 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
WILLIAM CRABTREE
  • MECHANIC
  • 95 POSTS
I ended up taking it to a shop and they had to recalibrate the computer with the timing for the injector pulse. Runs great now, gets better mileage as well!
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Sunday, February 26th, 2017 AT 1:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,895 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed please use 2CarPros. Com anytime we are here to help

Best, Ken
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Sunday, February 26th, 2017 AT 6:24 PM

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