Need engine help ASAP!

[Mdvaughn]

I have a doozie of an issue... Our 1995 Ram B2500 van (5.2) runs fine for about 5-10 miles or so then acts like it is starving for fuel. It gets a clatter in the cylinders and a thumping sound like its out of gas (we know better, right?). Turning the key 3 times gives only code 55 meaning "All's well". There is no inline fuel filter, air filter is new and no obstructions and no place to hook up the code reader in 95. Where should we start? Plugs & wires or straight to dropping the tank? Thanks in advance.

 

[dodge dude94]

Suuuure sounds like the fuel pump is on its way out. The PCM won't even trip a code for a failing fuel pump, so the only way to know for sure is to hook a gauge up to it and monitor it.

And being that you're driving a van......the monitoring part will be easy since the engine is right next to you. Just remember a fire extinguisher.

 

[Mdvaughn]

Yea, driving with the dog house off always scares me. I was told there was a connection on the end of a fuel rail for a gauge. Is that so? As far as the fuel pump, is it all that hard to change?

 

[dodge dude94]

Yes, there is a schrader valve on the fuel rail that the pressure gauge hooks into.

As far as changing it, it's a pain changing them on all vehicles. Just try and make sure the tank is as empty as possible since you'll obviously have to drop it.

 

[Mdvaughn]

So, we replaced the fuel pump (which was collapsed and broken from bottoming out the van and hitting the tank, plus the filter was black) and it didnt help. Replaced plugs, wires, cap & rotor (all were in terrible condition) and still no help. After limping home, I looked at the cat converter and it was cherry red. Could that be an issue?