| From | Message |
ctobac
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/13/2004
11:14:32
|
 Subject: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
Just wanted to let you guys know of a mysterious problem which I recently encountered. I have a 1990 v-6 which started to give me some strange problems. It started about a week ago while driving home from work. The truck would just die for know reason. After a couple of minutes it would refire and everything would be OK for a while and then the same thing would happen again. After doing diagnostic testing nothing was found wrong. No check engine light and no faults found with scanner. All relays checked OK and voltage at all ignition points OK. I decided it must be the sbec(computer) and purchased a reman from NAPA (MISTAKE!) The truck would no longer die suddenly but ran awful. Gas mileage sucked and engine would stumble on acceleration. Took computer back to NAPA and was told,SORRY, no refund on electrical parts and my old core was allready sent back to the factory. After a few choice words I went to a local junk yard and bought a used computer for 50 bucks. Eveything was well for 2 days and then one cool morning the truck would not start. The truck would turn over but no fire at the plugs and no current to fuel pump or injectors. That afternoon after work the truck started fine. The next morning no start. I then proceeded to warm the computer box with a hair dryer and WALA! The truck started. I then removed the computer and placed it in the freezer for 20 minute,reinstalled and no start. That afternoon I returned the computer to the junk yard and was given another no questions asked. The truck now starts perfectly and runs great. Just thought I would pass this info along to you guys in case you experience something strange like this.
P.S.
SCREW NAPA
|
Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/13/2004
12:12:41
|  RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm disappointed to see that wouldn't exchange it. It is obvious the part is bad. You should try to return it again, especially knowing 100% that the part is bad. Any good company will exchange bad parts - even those with no return policy.
- Dan M
|
CP
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/13/2004
12:23:42
| RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
Appreciate it. My SMEC module died last night. I can relate. I found a rebilt at Carquest for $211 (jobber rate) in Albuquerque, NM. Ironic. I posted on this subject over a year ago here: http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/v6/3957.html
I took all my own advice. I also swapped the asd relay with the one next to it that works the electric fan just to rule out the ASD relay. Installed a new coil, rotor, cap, and hall effect pickup. Checked ground. Checked fuel injection (good gas). Still no spark. Probed the circuit all the way back to the computer. The ignition module is in there and could be bad but the only fix left is a new computer. The rough running you had may have been the learning process for emissions settings. New SMEC was optimizing for your engine conditions. GOOD JOB saving cash by going to the boneyard. For you guys wondering where those relays are: drivers side fire wall has a black fuse box with your relays. Hall effect coil costs about $50 and might require you to pull out the distributor to get access to fasteners unless yours just snaps in. So you might need a timing light and distributor wrench to get a spark going. PItA
|
ctobac
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/13/2004
14:52:37
| RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
CP,
I would like to tell you that the truck was driven over 500 miles with the NAPA reman and there was no improvement in the engines performance. I can say with great confidence that something was defective in the sbec and the poor performance was not due to the emissions learning curve. I have replaced quite a few engine computers and never had one operate as poorly as this one. Long story short, BEWARE OF NAPA!
|
CP
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/13/2004
15:28:52
| RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
Yup. But goes for any supplier and manufacturer. The emissions learning is real. I'm not sure if you mean you think it doesn't happen. I don't doubt you got a rotten egg. Sorry if I got you wrong, bud. I would certainly be pissed if I bought a lemon with a core charge that couldn't be returned. Just take it out on someone else. NOT really - no sweat, man. Im glad you got it back on the road.
|
ctobac
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/14/2004
10:31:46
|  RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
CP,
Sorry about my choice of words. I in no way intended to question anyones thoughts on this matter. I am quite familiar with computer learning curves when new and know that there is a period in which the computer is learning the habits and conditions of the engine to adjust fuel mixtures,timing,idle speeds etc. to obtain a clean burn and smooth operation. This process can take a few hundred miles to get everything dialed in on a particular engine. But in my experience there is general improvement as you drive more miles and the computer makes more and more adjustments. After 500 miles this computer was showing no signs of improved performance or reduced emissions. Maybe I should have given it more time. The truck was almost undrivable with this computer. Is that normal?
Thanks for your thoughts and excuse me if I said some things which came out wrong.
|
CP
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/14/2004
13:18:40
| RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang! I put mine together and adjusted the timing - now it spins tires. Funny - many on this forum say that you cant adjust the timing. Guess I did it in a dream. New Parts: SMEC, Ignition Wires, Distribitor cap, Rotor, Hall Effect pickup. Autolite 3923 plugs have about 7000 miles on them and gaped at about .04. Running a 1991 3.9l V6 with electric fan, double roller timing chain, dual cat-back, 180 deg T-Stat, p275/75 bfgoodrich t/a's at about 40 psi. Gas is 87 octane rated. It's getting about 18 mpg. Motor outlasted the computer. Guess that is pretty good.
|
scott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2007
22:55:29
| RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 1990 with v6 at first it ran fine then it would not get fuel to tbi changed fuel pump!,then it got too much fuel checked codes it said mapp sensor bad changed it now sometimes it runs good for few days then drinkssss gas reset smec runs good for a few days now smec says has no field current ? changed altenator still same problem? also found someone before me tied external voltage regulator to smec anybody have suggeston!!????? totaly baffeled
|
dakota49
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/31/2007
21:07:49
| RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
CP on the 92 and newer trucks you can't adjust the timing, because the fuel timing is done by the dist. if you try to adjust the timing on the newer trucks you will get the fuel injection timing off and it can be a real pain to get it back where it belongs.
Good Luck
Dakota49
1988 3.9 4X4 5speed
|
hmm
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/01/2008
00:21:48
| RE: Just to let you know
IP: Logged
Message:
dak49 the post from CP is over 3 years old i doubt he will be looking at your reply
scott have you tried replacing the O2 ?
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
