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Peter
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2008
20:24:29

Subject: Truck runs really rough
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Message:
so recently my 91 dakota (318, auto, 4x4) started
running really rough. at first i thought i was
just really low on gas, because i was. i had to
take a trip to the dump and unload some stuff.
after i unloaded everything i was on my way to
the gas station and it started to run rough.
acceleration is especially rough. sometimes its
just a slight shake or bouncing around, and other
times it shakes like crazy like the whole truck
is a massage chair on high. i was talking to a
friend and we came to the conclusion its most
likely a clogged fuel filter. anyone else think
this is the problem and is there anything i
should check out and replace while im at it. oh
and there is definitely a loss of power. as i was
leaving my friends house i decided to do a
burnout on my way out. i had it all the way to
the floor and didnt spin em at all. before this
started happening i would do small burnouts all
the time without even trying.



Lee
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2008
13:03:11

RE: Truck runs really rough
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A clogged fuel filter sounds logical to me. On older vehicles, it is not uncommon for some sediment to accumulate at the bottom of the gas tank. When you run low on gas, some of this sediment goes into the fuel filter and can clog it.

I have a 2000 Dakota, which does not have an external fuel filter. It is part of the pump, and can only be accessed by removing the pump. If your truck has an external filter and you can get to it, by all means replace it. If it is the metal type with metal lines going to it, any decent auto parts store should have the inexpensive kit needed to replace the filter. Let us know if this helps!

Lee



tmayes10
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2008
14:44:37

RE: Truck runs really rough
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The fuel filter is one logical thing. Another thing you might try if that doesn't work try cleaning out your throttle body with a toothbrush and some carb choke cleaner. On older dodges when the fuel pump goes out, it doesn't always go completely out, it can make the truck act just like your describing especially under a load. THe fuel pump might not be able to keep up with the fuel needed. If a fuel pump is required i would definately have the tank steam cleaned and run some fuel system cleaner through the first few tanks.



Peter
Dodge Dakota
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12/09/2008
14:40:39

RE: Truck runs really rough
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okay so last night i replaced the filter and that
didnt fix the problem, it did help some though.
so i went to the store and got some fuel injector
cleaner that i dumped in and so far that hasnt
done much, but i havent driven much so after
awhile maybe it will help. if this doesnt fix it
what else should i check out?



jlknolla
Dodge Dakota
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12/09/2008
14:56:25

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Peter, has your oil pressure been acting wierd also or have you seen an inexplicable loss of oil?

The intake manifold belly pan gasket when really bad made my '99 run like crap - lots of detonation under load, lower power, rough idle, surging on the road.

Search the threads for intake belly pan gasket and you will see some recommendations for testing for it - not hard to replace but takes a while - could possibly be air filter if it is badly clogged - are you getting any black smoke in the exhaust?



Peter
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12/10/2008
01:55:39

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Message:
well i think the oil pressure is somewhat low, im
not 100% sure on that though. and yes the air
filter should be replaced. i checked it out while
i was replacing the fuel filter, and noticed it
was pretty clogged. i havent gotten around to
going back to the store to get a new one but i
probley will soon



Peter
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12/29/2008
23:01:51

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Message:
so just a little update, i havent done anything
else to try and fix this problem yet, at times it
seems like the truck is driving smoother but its
still about that same. and i just filled up for
the first time since this started happening and
did a little math only to find out my truck is
getting 7 mpg. so whatevers going on is hurting
the mileage too as well as making the truck run
rough



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2008
10:33:25

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Peter, i think the first thing you need to do is change that air filter if it's that dirty. then pull one of the spark plugs and check it out. if it's black, it's running too rich. they should look tan in color. you may just need a tune up. have you tried to read the codes yet? depending on mileage, you could need a new O2 sensor.



Peter
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12/30/2008
15:02:04

RE: Truck runs really rough
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i havent got any codes read yet. where should i
go to do that. and yes the air filter is very
dirty. that was one of the next things on my list
to replace



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2008
16:10:44

RE: Truck runs really rough
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maybe the parts houses can read them on OBD(pre '96) vehicles, i know they can on ODBII. you may want to spend the 20 bucks for a Haynes or Chilton repair manual and they will describe how you can pull the codes and also have a list of the codes and what they mean.

you def need to change that filter. that could be your only problem. my bro-in-law was having problems with his daughters '03 rustang. running rough and dying. he asked me to check it and for kicks, the first thing i checked was the air filter. the car had about 40k on it and looked to be the original air filter! it had crud caked all over it. changed it and it ran fine after that.



Peter
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12/30/2008
16:34:45

RE: Truck runs really rough
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i didnt think a dirty filter would do that much.
but if thats the case then i should check that
out for sure. the truck only has about 64k on it,
but im pretty sure its the original filter.



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2008
16:50:46

RE: Truck runs really rough
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you'd be suprised! just think if you were trying to breathe through a muddy paper towel.



Peter
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12/30/2008
16:52:34

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Message:
yeah thats true. its just one of many things that
should be replaced but never were. i just need to
do a complete tune up



Peter
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1/04/2009
01:45:26

RE: Truck runs really rough
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so i replaced the air filter today and that
seemed to help a little bit, but for the most part it still runs pretty rough



Peter
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1/04/2009
16:30:38

RE: Truck runs really rough
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i forgot to add, im probley gunna try plugs and
wires next. anyone have any suggestions as to
what i should get and how much its going to cost



Sam Watson
Dodge Dakota
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1/19/2009
20:48:25

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Check for vacuum leaks: air intake, and all hoses going to the throttle body / manifold. If you have a leak on one of those hoses you will lose a great deal of your power and when flooring it it will shake & shudder.

I was having idling problems - my engine finally thew a code that indicated the MAF (manifold absolute pressure sensor). I had bad mileage til I fixed it since it puts the engine into default mode and because the MAP sensor is used in determining how rich / lean to make the fuel mixture.

Hopefully you just have a cracked hose or one that has come loose and it is a just a free to $10 fix.



Peter
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1/25/2009
00:59:33

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Message:
okay, so i just replaced plugs and wires and no
luck, it still drives like crap



TexasTodd
GenIII
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1/26/2009
13:35:46

RE: Truck runs really rough
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peter,

I didn't see it in reading thru this thread, if I missed it, sorry.

But,

NOt having one of these motors, (mine's a 4.7), I"m always reading about the plenum gasket causing a problem like this.


So, have you tried your plenum gasket?

01 SLT QC, two tone paint,
OEM fender flares
Cab high Leer cap w/ double slider window,
Infinity sound,
Tire and handling pack,
R/T sway bars
Trailer towing pack,

4.7 manual,
HO cams,
HO intake,
Ported the stock 68mm TB,
Homebrew 'true' CAI, w/ K&N
No belt driven clutch or cooling fan
No third cat.
SuperChips Tuner

Max dyno, NO short belts, etc.
227 RW HP
300 RW TQ


Drive it like its paid for!

Peter
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1/26/2009
18:36:55

RE: Truck runs really rough
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no i have not checked the plenum gasket. where is
it?



TexasTodd
GenIII
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1/27/2009
13:58:39

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Message:
Woa there grasshopper,

Lots of info on this subject. Unfortunately, (or fortunately), I've never replaced one.

A quick Google search came right up with this site: http://www.dodgeforum.com/forum/diy-do-it-yourself/29092-plenum-gasket-replacement-by-steve00ram360.html


Try that, I'm sure there are plenty of people on this site that can help you.

Guys? (and gals)

http://www.dodgeforum.com/forum/diy-do-it-yourself/29092-plenum-gasket-replacement-by-steve00ram360.html

Drive it like its paid for!

daddio
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2009
21:37:40

RE: Truck runs really rough
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Peter, have you noticed a slight oil usage? look down through the TB into the intake. if there is a little puddling of oil, more than likely, the plenum gasket is leaking. there is a procedure to test it that was posted on here a while back. try searching this site from www.mark.dodgedakotas.com



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