running wierd!! - Dodge Dakota Forum

Subject: running wierd!!
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2002 3.9 2wd 5spd rc 87,000 miles

when first starting truck and then acclerating truck bucks and stutters right around the 2400 rpm mark. it continues to do this until it warms up a bit. truck has also become a little sluggish as well. here are the things i replaced so far.

-plugs and wires and cap/rotor, air filter
-IAC motor
-IAT sensor
-TPS sensor
-engine coolant temp sensor

have not replaced
-o2 sensors
-map sensor
-crankshaft positioning sensor
-cat converters

did not have any problems passing emissions and also no codes coming up at all. spark plugs were burning light brownish and maybe one or two appeared just a tad on the white side. checked all vacuum lines with mighty vac, no vac leaks. gas mileage is not that bad, about 20-21 highway. truck has power but it's like a gradual build up, quick acceleration not there anymore. i've heard some say maybe timing chain. what would be some more symptoms of stretched or bad timing chain? i haven't really noticed anything unusual as far as strange noises, etc. and haven't smelled rotten egg smell either (cat converters). It doesn't burn oil, leak oil, smoke, what is going on with my poor truck? any ideas or suggestions greatly welcomed. thanks a lot!

dakota49
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2008
19:13:06

RE: running wierd!!
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It could be your o2 sensor up stream of the cat, it can some times fail giving the engine a lean condition, it should trip a code, but sometimes they don't.
Good Luck
Dakota49
1988 3.9 4X4 5speed

J and J Auto
GenII