cranks/no start unless

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dapepper9

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I would avoid pulling the distributor out if i were you. For now at least.

Judging by the background you've given us on yourself, I'm going to assume you're rather familiar with distributor rotation and it's effect on ignition timing in older vehicles like you have. These trucks are the same while being completely different. Distributor rotation STILL affects timing but NOT ignition timing like you would logically think. It actually affects the timing of the fuel injectors. In fact, the only real role it plays in ignition events is energy transfer much like your fuel pump relay.

Mechanically you can get it reset close to where it needs to be if you do remove it. However, to fully set it you need a Chrysler DRB3 scan tool or equivalent. Snap-On MT2500 is another common one. Dealerships SHOULD be able to do it as well because they'll have the DRB3 or an equivalent newer tool. I know my local dealership will do it for $50 but i also went ahead and purchased a used mt2500 because:
1. I don't like and don't trust dealerships
2. I'm not going to count on them continuing to ne able to do it



But, i also don't want to scare you either. If you need to pull it, then you need to pull it. It's rather simple to remove and only slightly more complicated to install. Setting it gets complicated ONLY because of the scan tool BUT that also depends on how much of a perfectionist you'd going to be about it. You can get it really close just by ear/eye and many tuners even recommend +4 degrees to +10 of advance in certain applications for camshaft tuning.

If you haven't yet, the forum here has the factory service manual which is VERY detailed and explains all of this as well and you can find it in the DIY tab
 
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dick strough

dick strough

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I agree about the distributor. I'll wait for a code and deal with the distributor then. There is a garage not to far away. The guy is a 1-man show. He rebuilt my front end, ball joints, axle shafts and U-joints, tie rod ends ect. so I could get an alignment. The rear end had noise issues, differential carrier and clutch kit fixed that. Guess there was a 4 wheel drive rear end lube additive that might have helped if used. Nice to know Iv'e got a back-up. I'm sure he would have the scan tool if needed. Thanks:) ****
 
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dick strough

dick strough

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Drove around today. Got home, check engine light on,set code 0340. Codes 1282 and 1391 are gone for now. Maybe the cap and rotor helped rid those two codes. Engine still hot tried to start, just cranked although it tried to start each time, unlike before just cranked no life at all. Seems when it's stone cold, like overnight, starts.
 

dapepper9

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Yeah sometimes when these sensors start to go they don't like being warm. Crank sensor is bad about it
 
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dick strough

dick strough

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I appreciated everyone's input with my no-start problem. Just wasn't comfortable pulling the distributor, so got a friend to help. The problem was the distributor pick-up coil. The distributor had other issues also, so installed a new one. This plus wires and plugs I might squeak out another mpg :) Thanks for being patient with this Ram Rookie, ****
 
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