Spitting and sputtering?

1997 DODGE RAM
10,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOBILLIARDS
I can start it up and drive it a few miles and come home and park it and it ran fine. get back in it about an hour or two later I get in it and it starts running rough spitting and sputtering when I try to accelerate it bogs down and wants to shut off. It doesn't do it all the time about every 2-3 drives.
Sep 2, 2025 at 7:58 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,494 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
This sounds like the engine has a misfire or the fuel pump is going out which both can be intermittent. Can I ask if you have a check engine light on? If so this can tell us which problem you are having:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

If the tune up is okay lets check the fuel pump pressure, you can rent a gauge set from the auto parts store for free. Here is a guide to help you get started with image below to help you with your truck:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

(49.2 psi +/- 5 psi) at idle

Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
Sep 3, 2025 at 9:31 AM
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