Recently got a 1998 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4X4 with a 5.2l. Truck Ran fine for the last 2 months. Just this week, starting when the hot weather hit, the truck started missing, and by the middle of the week it was overheating. Threw a CEL, had it pulled at Autozone, it was a random misfire code. Parts slinger suggested I got some bad gas. Replaced plugs, wires, thermostat, and put a K&N air filter in. Seemed to fix most of the missing issues, but the truck is still overheating when I'm not cruising at 55mph. I read somewhere that if the alternator isn't charging correctly, it may cause a miss as the dodges are tempermental with their voltage. I checked the voltage on the battery while the truck was running and it's only at 13.3v. I'm guessing the alternator's getting ready to take a crap. My question is could this be related to my overheating problem? Could the low voltage be causing the truck to run lean/rich and overheat? Supposed to take the truck to Chicago Saturday, I would really like to get this figured out asap...

Posted also on CID, but I think they're too busy bashing each other to actually answer a technical post. Thanks for any help.

If it has a clutch type cooling fan (I think everything does now), check to see if it working properly. If it's not activating correctly, it won't push enough air. I'd have to check my repair guides at home, but I beleive if you can spin the fan without resistence it's toast.

Yes that is correct Chris.

I would also check the radiator cap pressure. My girlfriends cirrus did the same as your truck. I replaced a couple of sensors and it still over heated. I had a friend check the pressure on the cap and it was bad. Replaced it and no more over heating.

So if I go out and can spin the fan by hand (with the truck off of course ) then the clutch is bad?

If it turns more than two complete turns it is a bad clutch.

cool, thanks!

Would you say the alternator is probably on it's way out also?

Nevermind,

father-in-law (mechanic) diagnosed it as a blown head gasket. I'm fucked.

Damn man, sorry to hear that

LOL poor Rob. If it isn't your DSM it's your DD. Well, a blown headgasket would explain the missing and the overheating together.

BTW, if you're only seeing 13.3V at the alternator, then it's on it's way out as well. You're supposed to see somewhere in the neighborhood of 14.4V.

well, got the heads off this afternoon and confirmed the head gasket blew between #3 and #5. Oh well, I'm gonna thow some go-fast goodies at it while it's apart.

As a follow up,

I decided that there was enough questionable parts on the existing motor to justify replacing it. Wound up buying a used 5.9 to drop in instead, Neal's autoparts is awesome!

No turbo diesel?

Ha! I would love to, but the darn motors cost as much as I've already got in the truck. That would be sweet... one of the worlds only TD 1/2 ton dodges...

I agree, Neal is a good salvage yard! I've always had good experiences with them anyway.

BTW, I noticed that the original motor was the 5.2 318 and you're dropping in a used 5.9 360. How's the swap coming?

So far the motors are identical... Should be very easy. Not a lot of people have done it apparently... forging new teritory I guess.

Good! How's the transmission shift on that thing? Make sure you change the cooler filter on it. Should be a little filter on one of the cooler lines between it and the trans. Everyone forgets to change them, they clog, and burn up your transmission. This is found to be one of the prime reasons they burn up in those trucks.

Turbo is that the same on all dodges or just the trucks? Do the dodge cars have the same inline filter?

Well, looks like I'm in the market for a flexplate and a torque converter...

I'll look for that filter... I do have a factory external cooler and an aftermarked temp gauge. She usually runs about 150 deg when cruising. I've seen it as high as 210 while towing with the A/C on.

Did the 5.9 come with a different ECU?

I do have the 5.9 ecu. Not sure yet if I should swap them or not. The ECU controls the speedo and some other things not related to the motor... Not sure if the 4x4 is affected or not.... I think I'll try it with the 5.2 and see what happens.

I don't think the cars have this filter, but it may be a good idea to check.

If that trans temp gets to 240 or above it's cooked tranny time! Be sure to keep an eye on it.

Got it running tonight... still got the 98 5.2 ecu in it... waiting on a build sheet to make sure the 99 5.9 ecu has the capabilities to handle the auto tranny and such.

Runs out nice, stays cool, and the butt dyno says it's got a few extra ponies..

Sweet!!