1998 Dodge Ram

Tiny
SHANER_M
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
I have a 1998 dodge ram 4X4 with a 5.2 engine. Whats happening is when I start it if fires up good for half a second then stalls. I have to keep my foot on the gas for about five minutes untill it kinda warms up. What could it be. I have heard the map sensor. I changed it already. It would be very appreciated if you could help me out.
Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 AT 4:25 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Does it run good if you keep your foot on the gas until it warms up? Has the check engine light come on?
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Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 AT 4:26 PM
Tiny
SHANER_M
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  • 6 POSTS
Yes it runs ok. Mabey a bit gutless but ok after its warm. No check engine light came on.
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Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
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The first thing I would check is the idle air control valve (IAC). It is on the throttle body. It's purpose is to allow air into the throttle body when the throttle plate is closed. If it is stuck or carboned / dirty and not working, there is no air getting into the engine. When you push the gas, you open the throttle plate which allows air to enter and keeps the engine running.

Check that and let me know what you find. Remove it and see if it is dirty. With the key off, the pintel at the end will stay closed. When you turn the key to run, it should move open.

Joe
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Thursday, December 9th, 2010 AT 12:25 AM
Tiny
SHANER_M
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  • 6 POSTS
I took it apart and it was fairly dirty. I cleaned it up with carb cleaner and put it back in and still no change. It only moved in and out about 1/16 of an inch mabey. Is that normal? I was able to click it in and out by hana real easy too.
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Friday, December 10th, 2010 AT 3:19 AM
Tiny
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That sounds normal. Okay, next I need you to check for vacuum leaks and check the EGR to see if it is carboned up. The egr can plug with carbon. Also, where it mounts on the intake can do the same so make sure both are clean.
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Friday, December 10th, 2010 AT 1:05 PM
Tiny
SHANER_M
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Ok, whats the best method to check for vacuum leaks? And can I clean the egr with carb cleaner? Thanks.
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+1
Friday, December 10th, 2010 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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As far as the EGR, if there is carbon in it, you can use carb cleaner but you will also be chiping away at the carbon.
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Friday, December 10th, 2010 AT 3:35 PM
Tiny
SHANER_M
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  • 6 POSTS
I went looking for an egr but cant find it. I went online and found out that it doenst have one. Havent checked for vacuum leaks yet. What should I do if ther is none? Thanks
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 2:31 AM
Tiny
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If there are no leaks, then we need to check fuel pump pressure when it is cold. Also, because of the high mileage, the compression may need checked. Remember, when steel heats up, it expands. Thus, you could get better compression allowing the vehicle to run better.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 5:59 AM
Tiny
SHANER_M
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I found no vacuum leaks but what I did find was my pcv valve was faulty. With changing my map sensor cleaning the iac valve and the pcv valve it starts and stays running no problem. Thanks for all your help. Happy holidays.
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Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 AT 4:09 PM
Tiny
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Glad you got it fixed. You have a great Christmas and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 AT 5:24 PM

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