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Stephen
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2007
16:05:16

Subject: power loss
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A few weeks ago I changed the thermostat in my '92 3.9. Before this I had a loose timing chain. during the proceedure of changing the thermostat I unknowingly pulled the wire housing off my Coolant temp sensor. This made the engine difficult to crank and run very rough. because of this my engine jumped timing but spared any bad damage. I had the timing chain and gears replaced, but still had the coolant temp problem. (I didn't know at the time.) I replaced the TPS and the IAC and my Mech plugged the EGR with a dime. (Not sure why) And I replaced the CTS. The engine is running fine, but I can feel a low rumble/grinding noise just as I accelerate until about 1800 RPMs. I don't have as much power as I did before the mess with the thermostat and my gas milleage is horrible.

Probably an unrelated problem, but might be relevent is my trans shifts very unpredictably. most of the time it won't shift out of 2nd until 3500-4000 RPMs, unless I let off the gas completely, and then goes from 3rd-4th-OD before I'm going 35 mph. My fluid is clean and topped off. The trans was rebuilt before I owned the truck so I'm unsure of all it's history.

That is all I can think of right now that is relevent. any help would be great. The engine has 166k on it but I think it still has many miles to go before it sleeps.



Fasstdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2007
20:02:29

RE: power loss
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First off: He's not a mechanic if he plugged the EGR with a dime - that's backyard bs. By doing this, he basically made it impossible for your truck to pass any emissions inspections (if you have them in your area) and possibly trip the MIL after a while (specific driving conditions are required for the OBD-I trucks).

As for the trans, check the TV cable first - see if it's been adjusted too tight (you didn't say if this happened before the "mechanic" touched the truck). Other causes can range from bands to valve body issues within the transmission.





replace it
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2007
20:47:49

RE: power loss
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do a google search on EGR valve
thats a wealth of info
you'll also find out the engine runs better with a good operating one, will ping less
& give better MPG's



Fasstdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2007
20:52:30

RE: power loss
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Yup...100% correct. I'd say go after the "mechanic" for disabling federally required emissions equipment. That's a nice fine! ;)




Stephen
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2007
21:23:28

RE: power loss
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Thanks for the info guys. As for the Mech. please give him a break. He means well. He's a friend of mine and he said I needed to replace it. I will replace the EGR and check the TV cable. What exactly is the TV cable and where is it located?



Fasstdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2007
21:55:05

RE: power loss
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The TV Cable (aka: kickdown cable) is located on the throttle body bracket (passenger side/rear of TB). I've emailed you a copy of the instructions.




Stephen
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2007
12:14:05

RE: power loss
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Another thing that is now bothering me....My engine backfired into the air intake last night. the engine was warm but not at normal opporating temp yet and I was going up a bridge at about 2500 RPMs and 20 mph. It is raining today, I have classes, and I have an interview. work on the truck is now suspended.



Stephen
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2007
08:40:50

RE: power loss
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I checked the TV cable and it was fine. I changed my plugs and wires
and now the damn engine won't crank!!! It turns over and over, but it won't
fire up!!! I stuck my finger in two of the plug holes and tuned it over. I
was nearly able to keep my finger in there. Shouldn't it force my finger out
completely? Called my Mech and he said that the pressure is way low if I can
keep my finger in there. The thing is I ran the engine Saturday morning to
warm it up for the TV cable test. I turned it off and pulled the EGR off to
replace (couldn't find one in town so I put it back on) then changed the
plugs and wires. I was hooking up the second to last wire when I realized
that there were two available ports on the distributor. I put the wires
where I thought they went and tried to crank the engine. It ran, but very
rough. I had broken the PCV earlier and had not replaced it yet so I figured
that was why it ran rough. I got out my Hayes manual and made sure all the
wires were in the right spot before I replaced the last plug and wire. It
wouldn't run and hasn't since. I replaced all the new plugs and wires with
my originals and still nothing. I have looked over the whole engine and
everything looks fine (no loose cables, hoses, wires.) What the hell is
going on???!!! My mech say I probably need a rebuild, but I can't believe
that it would run that morning and then quit before the day's over because
of lost compression. Isn't that a gradual thing?? I am in school full time
and work nights and I'm getting married in two months. I have no extra cash
because I spent most of my school loans on getting my truck running to begin
with. I can't afford a note for a new car/truck. Please tall me there is
something I am missing that would make it crank right up. OK, wishful
thinking, but there has to be something.



Stephen




xmr2
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2007
14:12:12

RE: power loss
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recheck your ignition wires where they connect to the distributor. It sounds like you have them connected wrong.



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