1998 dodge ram

Does it run good if you keep your foot on the gas until it warms up? Has the check engine light come on?

yes it runs ok. mabey a bit gutless but ok after its warm. no check engine light came on.

The first thing I would check is the idle air control valve (IAC). It is on the throttle body. It's purpose is to allow air into the throttle body when the throttle plate is closed. If it is stuck or carboned / dirty and not working, there is no air getting into the engine. When you push the gas, you open the throttle plate which allows air to enter and keeps the engine running.

Check that and let me know what you find. Remove it and see if it is dirty. With the key off, the pintel at the end will stay closed. When you turn the key to run, it should move open.

Joe

i took it apart and it was fairly dirty. i cleaned it up with carb cleaner and put it back in and still no change. it only moved in and out about 1/16 of an inch mabey. is that normal? i was able to click it in and out by hana real easy too.

That sounds normal. Okay, next I need you to check for vacuum leaks and check the EGR to see if it is carboned up. The egr can plug with carbon. Also, where it mounts on the intake can do the same so make sure both are clean.

Ok, whats the best method to check for vacuum leaks? and can i clean the egr with carb cleaner? thanks.

As far as the EGR, if there is carbon in it, you can use carb cleaner but you will also be chiping away at the carbon.

i went looking for an egr but cant find it. I went online and found out that it doenst have one. havent checked for vacuum leaks yet. what should i do if ther is none? thanks

If there are no leaks, then we need to check fuel pump pressure when it is cold. Also, because of the high mileage, the compression may need checked. Remember, when steel heats up, it expands. Thus, you could get better compression allowing the vehicle to run better.

Let me know what you find.
Joe

i found no vacuum leaks but what i did find was my pcv valve was faulty. with changing my map sensor cleaning the iac valve and the pcv valve it starts and stays running no problem. thanks for all your help. happy holidays.

Glad you got it fixed. You have a great Christmas and thanks for using 2carpros.com.

Joe