1989 Dodge Ram sputtes under hard acceleration and up hills

137,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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DCAMRGO
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  • 1 POST
what can cause 2.0 engine to sputter, cough and kick out black smoke under hard acceleration and going up hills. runs good at idle and under soft acceleration.
Jan 19, 2010 at 6:28 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Check and test the following below:

Oygen Sensor
Catalytic Converter
Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires
Cap and Rotor

Note:If it doesn't apply,disregard.
Jan 19, 2010 at 6:34 AM
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