I tuned up my truck now it runs terrible

Tiny
SCHWARZENEGGER1469
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE RAM
  • 105 MILES
1998 dodge ram 318, distributor and rotor for routine maintenance, runs great but won't idle. Did I bust a vacuum line in the process with my huge muscular arms or mess up a wire, or is there something else to it? Distributor cap on backwards- shouldn't have moved it. It was fine and idled before replacing the cap and rotor, the wiring is perfect, I know the timing of a 318 mopar. Runs great, just wondering if I may have knocked something or broke an idle air control valve or something in the process thanks!
Friday, December 2nd, 2011 AT 3:17 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Chances are you are correct and it is a vacuum hose issue. Double check all of them. If you want, there are directions on our homepage under the DIY section for using carb cleaner to check. As far as the IAC, you really can't hurt the part unless you removed it. You may want to check the wiring to it. It is right on the throttle body. Make sure the plug isn't loose or damaged. Also, check it for corrosion.
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Friday, December 2nd, 2011 AT 3:21 AM
Tiny
SCHWARZENEGGER1469
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Which vacuum hose, when working my huge muscular arms in there could possibly break or get pinched? The distributor is so far back there on a Ram that I just don't know where to start.
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Friday, December 2nd, 2011 AT 3:31 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Hi guys. Just to not overlook something silly, did you disconnect the battery? If so, the idle speed will be too low until the Engine Computer relearns "minimum throttle". If you didn't disconnect the battery, I'll go away and let you guys continue on.
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Friday, December 2nd, 2011 AT 4:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Good point, caradiodoc. He is correct. As far as the vacuum, the only thing you can do is look.
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Friday, December 2nd, 2011 AT 4:49 AM

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