Running Rough - Stalling

[netmad80]

Firstly, I am a new member and I thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully reply to my posting. I have searched the forum and can't seem to find anything that closely sounds like my problem.

I have a 2004 RWD 5.7 Hemi. So here is my problem. I got up this morning and drove about 10 miles. I parked for about an hour, got back in my truck, it started fine.. I got about 2 miles down the road and I lost power, the truck began to sputter and I was able to limp it all the way home. If I took my foot off the accelerator it would stall. I had to feather it home. I hooked it up to my tester and it is throwing code P0300 (Generic Multiple Misfire).

My truck had a full tune up less than 6 months ago with all new plugs and wires. Also has new Cats and 2 new O2 sensors.

When my truck started running really rough there was a moment when I thought I heard a rattle when I was trying to accelerate. Could this been the sound of a timing chain coming loose? I really don't know where to start with this. I have never had this type of issue before. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Harley Harrold]

It does sound like your engine has a timing problem. Maybe someone else has had this problem and can guide you to a fix.

 

[RonJon '06]

I think both you and Harley Harrold are on the right track. The sudden loss of power, multiple misfire code and the rattling sound all point to a broken timing chain guide. If that ends up being the problem then I would install a 6.1L timing set since they are built stronger than the 5.7L and are a direct replacement.

 

[MyOhFive]

It wouldn't explain the rattling sound but could also be your fuel pump too.

Def don't run it until you diagnose though, if it is a timing issue you may have just jumped one tooth so far, but HEMI's are interference engines and if the chain breaks or skips more teeth you could be replacing valves or even the entire engine.

 

[netmad80]

Thanks for the responses. I hope my mind was playing tricks on me when I heard the "rattle" Anyways... I just dropped it off at a shop. They said they will take a look at it. I did not mention anything other than the loss of power and sputter. I will see what they come back with.

 

[netmad80]

Well, the mechanic says he will need it another day, but it is throwing all kinds of codes now. ECM codes, throttle position sensor codes, voltage codes... he said most the the codes are a result of whatever the main code is, he just needs to narrow it down. So it might no be timing chain after all.....

 

[netmad80]

Well the truck is still down and a new development. They put in a new crankshaft position sensor, ran the truck for 5 mins, removed the sensor (not sure why) but when they did it had scratches on the end of the sensor.

All the symptoms are the same, ... It's will not idle at all unless your giving it gas and it's missing still. I asked about the possibility of a timing chain issue and he states that the readings he is getting off his computer are suggesting that everything is in time.

With the scratches on the sensor I would assume this means there is too much movement in the Crank shaft... could this point towards a broken or bad harmonic balancer? Any ideas are greatly appreciated as it seems to be stumpage the mechanic as well. They are trying to not tear into the engine to keep the cost down if they don't need to.

 

[RonJon '06]

Don't know if your mechanic has found the problem yet but was wondering if they checked all of the valve springs.

 

[hemidup]

Your symptoms point to a broken reluctor wheel aka toner ring which is on the back of the crankshaft and the reason your new crank sensor was scratched up. Happened mostly to 03 and 04's. The crankshaft should still be good however the crankshaft must be pulled in order to replace it.