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Jim
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2007
14:27:31

Subject: 1995 Dodge Van w/318 sluggish backfire
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Hi all,

I know this isn't a Dakota, but I'm thinking that's where the motor in my van came from.

About the Van:
1995 Dodge B250 Conversion Van (2 wheel drive)
318 from a junkyard (I can tell by the small logo tags they put on the back of the heads, year unkown)
Fuel Injected.

I just got this about a month ago
Here's what's been done so far
When i test drove it, it seemed to run fine, but had a bad exhaust leak

I pulled the doghouse off, a bolt was missing from the exhaust manifold, i put a new one in, fixing 95% of the leaking exhaust (small tick now, gasket prob got abit messed up from running without a bolt)

The tranny slips between 2nd and 3rd, it seems to shift way too early. It seemed to shift better when I was on the gas more, but also would backfire.

We drove about 200 highway miles, the last 15 i noticed that it was sluggish during acceleration.

I changed out the plugs, all where about the same level, normal and all plugs looked to be in the same condition. I got some new ones installed.
Idle seemed to improve, sluggishness was still there.

I checked for codes using the key on, off, on, off, on off method.. only code listed was the one that it was done displaying codes, so basically no codes exsist.

The plug wires look new as well as the cap, i didn't pull it off yet to check the rotor.

I replaced the coil and the MAF (or whatever it's called, it's on the front of the throttle body with a small hose and two bolts. I noticed build up under the throttle body (when looking down the blades), i cleaned up what I could without a teardown.

No change, it still sluggish and backfires under acceleration. There is some valvetrain noise, but nothing that I would consider excessive. Oil needs changed out, but is full and it doesn't smoke at all and doesn't seem to be burning it.

Timing? Fuel pump? O2 sensor (shouldn't that throw a code)?

Any ideas of where to look or what to do would be great, I have to get this thing running ASAP to move.

Thanks!
Jim



Jim
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2007
14:31:47

RE: 1995 Dodge Van w/318 sluggish backfire
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Sorry this is a double post, please disreguard and reply to the other one.

My computer isn't working the best either as you can tell.

Sorry,
Jim



OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2007
15:42:16

RE: 1995 Dodge Van w/318 sluggish backfire
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Well, this is the only post I'm finding so I'll say it here.
You never mentioned if this backfiring was speed related or any time you step down on it. You also never said if it was backfiring through the exhaust or the intake. If it's intake, you have a bad valve, bent valve stem or push rod. If it is exhaust, your getting raw fuel into the exhaust and it is exploding. This could also be the same valve problem as above or a o2 senser. Actually anything that can cause excess fuel delivery including blug wires or cracked cap or carbine track in the cap. You need to get it on a OBD1 (OBDII started in 96)to really check for codes more thorough.



Jim
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2007
15:47:10

RE: 1995 Dodge Van w/318 sluggish backfire
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The backfire seems to be coming out of the throttle body. I'll try to drive it with the doghouse off to narrow it down and see if it happens in park.

It only happens when I really get on the throttle and doesn't seem to be speed(mph) or rpm related.

Will the OBD1 reading show more codes then the turn on/off and watch the flashing cel light method?

Thanks!
Jim



OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2007
21:10:44

RE: 1995 Dodge Van w/318 sluggish backfire
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Well, I can only go by my experiance. Mine is OBDI and OBDII compliant. And yes. it is amazing. Some parts stores have them and do free checks but I'm betting the OBDI may be a problem finding with them. If it is the intake, before you get to carried away make sure your wires are not crossed or cross firing due to age or cheepies. Total darkness is the best bet to see cross firing. Next is the cap for cracks or carbon tracking. You can erase the carbin as a temperary fix till you get to a parts house. Go to NAPA and get BORGE WARNER cap and rotor. They have BRASS contacts.



Curly
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2007
10:47:23

RE: 1995 Dodge Van w/318 sluggish backfire
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napa also carries Echlin cap and rotors
made in the usa nice heavy pieces and all brass inserts



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