I tuned up my truck now it runs terrible

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!

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 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

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

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 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

JACOBANDNICKOLAS