Engine lack of power?

Any applicable trouble codes? Some of the national brand autostores used to check codes for free.

Okay. I was wondering what was being updated. Once that is done, let me know what is found.

Take care,
Joe

Let us know what you find.

Hi,

I don't feel it would cause a rough idle or a hesitation. Has anyone gotten back to you regarding the scanner updates?

Joe

Hi,

You shouldn't have to remove all of them, only one per cylinder. Here are the directions for testing the compression:

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2003 Dodge or Ram Truck RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.7L VIN D
Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
Vehicle Powertrain Management Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks Compression Check Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Cylinder Compression Pressure Test
CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE TEST
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CYLINDER COMPRESSION PRESSURE
The results of a cylinder compression pressure test can be utilized to diagnose several engine malfunctions.

Ensure the battery is completely charged and the engine starter motor is in good operating condition. Otherwise the indicated compression pressures may not be valid for diagnosis purposes.

1. Clean the spark plug recesses with compressed air.
2. Remove the spark plugs.
3. Secure the throttle in the wide-open position.
4. Disable the fuel system.
5. Remove the ASD relay.
6. Insert a compression pressure gauge and rotate the engine with the engine starter motor for three revolutions.
7. Record the compression pressure on the 3rd revolution. Continue the test for the remaining cylinders.
8. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS for the correct engine compression pressures.

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Also, here is a link that shows how to perform the procedure in general and what to expect (aprox) with compression.

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I don't have a specific compression from Chrysler, but the lowest and highest readings must be within 25% of each other. Even at that, you could feel a small misfire.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Since the compression is good, it goes away when you restart it, I would say we need to check for vacuum leaks and the catalytic converter which can be partially plugged. Without a scanner, it becomes the process of checking one thing after another until a fault is found.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

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I do have a question. If you place the vehicle in neutral when it has the rough idle, does it smooth out?

Again, sorry for all the tests. Without the scanner, it becomes a guessing game. I'm trying to identify things that can cause a rough idle and hesitation.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

The catalytic converter should be hotter, so yes to your question. Pay attention to see if the engine smooths when in neutral and let me know what you find.

Joe

Did you remove the belt? And I agree, something was disconnected. Check around the alternator. It sounds like the lights are on as a result of it not charging.

By the way, you're doing a great job. Better than many of the techs near me.

Is it running smoothly now?

Joe

I was asking about neutral because I was wondering it what you were feeling was related to a motor mount or transmission mount. Once it is out of gear (neutral) it removes the stress on the mounts.

As far as no lights and everything is working, Ugh. Do you love cars. Let's hope that it stays that way. Let me know if something chances or if you need help. Also, great imagery in your description. LOL I could almost hear you cursing under your breath. Ha! I've been there, too.

Let me know.

Joe