1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

inconsistent idle

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Old 06-19-2011, 09:15 PM
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inconsistent idle

Being a CTD newbie...


Anyone know where or what I should be looking for considering my 93 runs awesome until the ambient temperature outside goes above 85 deg F ?

Below 85, the truck runs and idles sweet all the time, regardless of what accessories are on. OTOH, When it gets hot out, regardless if the A/C is turned on or off, the truck idles terribly @ intersections, stoplights, and the like. The hotter the air gets outside, the (lower) it idles. The hotter it gets, the worse it gets. With the A/C on, I actually had to put it in neutral @ a stop light the other day, because it felt as though it was going to stall.

Any tips to help diagnose would be helpful


Most appreciated

T.
Old 06-19-2011, 09:29 PM
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Does it have a tach? Sounds like the idle rpm just needs bumped up a little.
Old 06-19-2011, 09:46 PM
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Mine was doing the same but the idle was just a little lower than in should have been to start with. If the idle is set correctly then it can be a sign of a bad injection pump.
Old 06-19-2011, 10:35 PM
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Thanks Guys !


Unfortunately, it doesn't have a tach, although one of the guys here told me that my truck has a lead in the dash to hook one up to.

Just haven't found the time to do so.

I'll have to work on that next...


after the front leaf springs,

After the new floor pan

After the .....


After the other......


Old 06-20-2011, 06:26 PM
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Signs of a pump getting weak. I had the same issues for the past two summers with last year seeing the problem getting REAL bad. Truck would just about die out. I swapped on a reman pump and so far this summer there has been no low idle issues.
Old 06-21-2011, 06:45 AM
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What Chris said. You can bump the idle up some to limp it along, but eventually it will just want to die and no restart until it cools down. Then you need to start carrying a bucket for cold water...
Old 06-23-2011, 06:41 PM
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Sorry for taking so long to get back here, as with being a contractor, we need to take the work when it's available....hence the delay.


Since it's a "pump" issue, is there a fix other than removal and complete rebuild ?

Meaning, can the problem be addressed by partial, on the vehicle disassembly and repair ? or is this a waste of time.


Since I can't really convey how much fun this truck is to drive (as I rarely drive my other vehicles any longer) I'd like to address it if possible. Purchasing a new pump, reman pump and the associated parts, just isn't financially possible, as recovery from the drought is my primary concern, right now.

If not, I'll live with it until I can upgrade/ replace the pump.


Again, most appreciated and thanks to all who've responded so far.


T.
Old 06-24-2011, 06:53 AM
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It's a worn head and rotor assembly, not really anything to fix at home. Save for a rebuilt pump.

Mine's been idling slow for two summers, don't sweat it. You have some time.
Old 07-08-2011, 09:29 AM
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Mine has been idleing very low and at lights and with the a/c on the low oil light on the dash comes on..thanks for the info guys!
where is the best place to get a IP?
Old 07-08-2011, 08:59 PM
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I just put a tank of straight K2 and my idle issues went away (although it was cooler today). Try dumping some thicker oil in the fuel tank and see if it helps.
Old 07-08-2011, 09:05 PM
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Guess I'll be saving up for a Scheid 12mm special.
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