2004 Dodge Dakota Suddenly stalled - Now, Hard start with k

PCCREW

MEMBER
2004 DODGE DAKOTA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
174,000 MILES

3.9 liter engine
Driving last week and it stalled. Got it started just enough to move it out of traffic. Would not start had it towed home. Recently replaced
Plugs and wires
Distributor Car and Rotor button
After it stalled - IAC was covered in carbon. I replaced it and was very hard to start but did start. When started it wouldn't idle and I had to give gas to keep it runing and it knocks, bad. Repalced the MAP sensor and it started a little easier (3 to 5 seconds) and with the same knock. Initial code set was bank 1 too rich.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Is the knock a low end knock? Also, have you replaced the plugs?

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Saturday, August 21st, 2010 AT 9:14 PM

PCCREW

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for your respnose.
The plugs and wires were replaced about 2 months ago. To rule out a spark issue I replaced the distributor cap and rotor button when this happened. I already had the parts so It wasn't as I wasted money on going out to buy those parts.
I tested the spark from the coil to the plugs and it was solid.

I took it to a local mechanic that was only a half mile away. He believes it to be a lifter on the number one plug side. I started my truck while at his business and it fired right up! Although the noise was still present I was shocked that started so easily. I'm going to take off the valve cover and check the lifter and rocker arms for damage. The knock did seem low at first but the mechanic and I agreed it appears to be top end.