Hard starting 3.9L Dakota

From : jim

Q: my 57k mile 97 dakota 3.9l first started requiring longer cranking periods at around 40 to 45k miles. it was a rare occurrence then. around 50k miles i replaced the distributor cap and it seemed to eliminate the problem for a while. however lately after a 700 mile trip the problem is back. it happens hot or cold recent start or no recent start rain or shine. goodyear checked it over and said everything was within specs - maybe carbon build up is absorbing the initial fuel load. my driving is 1/2 highway and 1/2 local. any suggestions out there what it might be and how to troubleshoot it please post responses since my mailbox is too full of span for me to go near it. tia jim .

Replies:

From : jobob

on 27 oct 2003 073235 -0800 jtjecmd@netzero.net jim wrote my 57k mile 97 dakota 3.9l first started requiring longer cranking periods at around 40 to 45k miles. it was a rare occurrence then. around 50k miles i replaced the distributor cap and it seemed to eliminate the problem for a while. however lately after a 700 mile trip the problem is back. it happens hot or cold recent start or no recent start rain or shine. goodyear checked it over and said everything was within specs - maybe carbon build up is absorbing the initial fuel load. my driving is 1/2 highway and 1/2 local. any suggestions out there what it might be and how to troubleshoot it please post responses since my mailbox is too full of span for me to go near it. tia jim i have a 96 dakota w/3.9l like you....ive heard from good sources that the timing chain wears out either quickly 50-75k mi or slowly 100k mi. the signs are hard starting - or random miss and an unexplainable chatter while idling. mines been chattering since about 65k mi. but am waiting till spring to change it out. the fresh distributor/button/plugs/wires/fuel filter/good gas will help it along until you can get it changed too. mines at 97kmi right now. does your rear section exhaust rattle mine does but am waiting on that too. roger .

From : jim

my 57k mile 97 dakota 3.9l first started requiring longer cranking periods at around 40 to 45k miles. it was a rare occurrence then. around 50k miles i replaced the distributor cap and it seemed to eliminate the problem for a while. however lately after a 700 mile trip the problem is back. it happens hot or cold recent start or no recent start rain or shine. goodyear checked it over and said everything was within specs - maybe carbon build up is absorbing the initial fuel load. my driving is 1/2 highway and 1/2 local. any suggestions out there what it might be and how to troubleshoot it please post responses since my mailbox is too full of span for me to go near it. tia jim ----------- today 10/30/03 my dodge dealer tested the truck and said it wasnt holding fuel pressure. they replaced the fuel pump. kind of expensive. jim ---- .