Engine misfire after plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor replacement

JACOB HOPKINS

MEMBER
1995 DODGE RAM
5.2L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I had a slight miss before I did a tune-up, so I changed plugs wires and distributor cap and rotor. I then started the truck only for it to have a misfire even worse, so I pulled the cap back off and found the rotor to be burnt and the top metal piece was bent up. So, I then changed it out again and triple checked the wire order. Everything is right but still not running right and has a bad misfire. No play on the distributor shaft either.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

By any chance, do you have pics of what happened to the original cap and rotor? Are you sure there is no up and down play in the distributor as well as side to side?

Let's do it this way. Let's see if there are codes stored in the computer that will identify a specific cylinder or cylinders that are causing the misfire. If it does and there is no damage to the new cap and rotor, I suggest removing the new plugs and inspecting them to see if the gap is correct or if there is any evidence of damage.

This has an OBD1 system, so you don't need a scan tool to retrieve codes. Follow the directions in this link and let me know the results:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

Also, if it's possible, record it cranking and running so I can hear what it's doing.

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Saturday, April 16th, 2022 AT 9:42 PM

JACOB HOPKINS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I do have a picture of the cap and rotor and I don't have a check engine light or anything showing a code. I will pull the new plugs out and check those as well. Thank you

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Sunday, April 17th, 2022 AT 8:22 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

I certainly see the damage. Is it possible that the rotor wasn't fully seated? It fits one way only and it's not hard to not realize it wasn't fully seated.

Let me know about the plugs. Also, if possible, record it cranking and running and upload it for me to hear. It may help me.

I attached the cylinder orientation and the distributor orientation for the firing order, and it also shows the rotation of the rotor. I'm adding this just in case you have something different.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Sunday, April 17th, 2022 AT 7:32 PM

JACOB HOPKINS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

So, I pulled the plugs back off and cylinders 5 and 7 are wet with gas assuming from not firing properly and I pulled the wires and cap and rotor back off. Cap and rotor look fine. Could it just be the new wires that are causing this misfire? Would it help to just put the old wires back on and see what happens?

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Monday, April 18th, 2022 AT 7:17 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Certainly, switching the wires back would be a way to determine if that is the cause. However, since you have two plugs removed, check to see if they are getting spark.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Joe