Hi
I had the 5.2 engine in my 1995 Dodge RAM 1500 replaced by a mechanic. He claimed it came from a church van with only 100,000 miles 90-day warranty. When I got it back the engine was surging at idle when put in drive it would stall. I had the throttle position sensor and idle air control valve replaced all new wires plugs new distributor, coil. now it does not stall but still has a slight surge on idle and when I drive around 25 to 40 mph the engine backfires through the throttle body. Now the mechanic is telling me that the o2 sensor needs to be replaced. no engine lights on. the mass air flow was never changed. I am tired of throwing parts at this old truck. what do you think?
thank you.
Anthony <personal information removed>
sounds like fuel issues. (pump, filter, regulator, injectors, etc.)
This is the problem with getting used engines. There is no end to the problems.
- It is possible the o2 sensor is causing it. Just last week my E320 started to surge in idle and on occasion it would jolt. I thought it was a coil or a bad plug but realized my downstream O2 failed. Once I replaced it everything was good . Since it has a 90 day warranty bring it back and have him diagnosis properly for you. He may of forgotten a vacuum line or left something unplugged or just a screwed something up. As @Chuck Tobais said its easy for him to check. Also do what @MountainManJoe said. Check the fuel system. Unfortunately with used engines it can be a headache and you never know what your really getting unless you go that extra mile. Anytime someone needs a engine I usually get a reman. If they don't want to spend that much money I will get a junkyard engine only if it's history is documented . Once I get it I tear it down and check everything over. It's alot more work and takes time but worth it for the customer. In the end you know exactly what your getting.
thank you everyone
He claimed it came from a church van with only 100,000 miles 90-day warranty.
Sounds like a variation on the old "only driven by a little old lady to church on Sundays" routine.
If it wasn't doing that before the engine transplant then the mechanic messed something up - take it back. (If the mechanic believes it's the O2 sensor he should be able to test it to verify that diagnosis.)
His original thought was out of time or not getting the correct amount of fuel he said he was going to put it on the computer to make adjustments .