1986 Dodge Ramcharger from North America - Comments

The catalytic converter has been replaced twice, most recently to pass emissions test. Minor oil leaks and replaced transfer case seal. Replaced distributor, but it always ran. The ongoing problem occurs mostly in 3rd gear at 35 mph and not at all times. Only at running temp. It seems electrical, but could be the carburator. It never dies out completely and will recuperate at lower rpm. It runs great when cold and always starts up. Otherwise it's a very strong truck, and I like it very much.But, it drives me!

This truck handles very well and is very roomy. This vehicle doesn't get great gas mileage, but was purchased for specific reasons such as 4 wheel drive and hauling.

Regarding your ongoing problem at 35 mph, I know you weren't too specific, but I might have some thoughts. I also have an '85 Royal SE Ramcharger, and have experienced some engine stuttering in past years when the engine was warmed up and had been running for a long while. I ended up looking at two things: 1) the magnetic pickup in the distributor can short out when the engine gets hot. Usually once it sits for a while and cools down, it will start again; 2) I found that the plug from the distributor to the wiring harness rests loose on the intake manifold, and after getting hot, the inside wires would expand, and then when the engine would cool off, the wires/plug would contract and make an incomplete circuit. This happened even after I had the magnetic pickup replaced. I found it by using a multi-tester with a Hayne's Manual, which showed that there was too much resistance in the wire from the electronic control module to the big rubber plug-in on the distributor, and the engine didn't have spark. I tied the big plug-in up away from resting on the engine, and it has been good for nearly two years with no more stuttering or non-starting. Of course I also have the usual doggy Holley 2-barrel carburetor, that acts like it wants to stall when you slow down and then step on the gas again. It helps to recover to take your foot off the gas and let it speed up gradually, like the accelerator pump isn't supplying enough gas.