So over it...

[PinkCamoDodge]

So some of y'all may remember a while back, not TOO long ago, that I had to replace my engine. :/

WELL..........I was low on gas today. Cranked it up, getting ready to go to the gas station, going by my needle, I should have been able to make it to the station. So I crank her up, and it starts, but is jumpin/sputtering, idling REAL rough. RPM's dropping pretty low. I go next door and borrow a gas can of the neighbor's that had gas in it. Add that. Start her back up, gave it a minute, SAME thing. My husband went to the gas station and filled up another gas can of ours, I added that. Cranked it again, same damn thing. I popped the hood and looked to see if anything was obvious. One thing I noticed is that one of the (please don't laugh, I'm doing my best to describe) circular parts that my belt wraps around, looked like it was loose? Belt was still rotating normally though. I am about to scream/cry I am so frusterated. I don't expect a miracle diagnosis but does anyone have any ideas as to what is wrong? I'll likely be having it towed yet again Monday to the shop that replaced my engine.

 

[02 Ram]

sounds like a pulley from what your saying. which one is it?

 

[Trupiano]

Can you take a picture for us? Sounds like the tensioner pulley is loose or possibly broken, which in turn could be making your belt loose and slip.

 

[quietpeen]

i agree with above that you are describing a pulley

 

[99RamSport360]

It's most likely your idler pulley or tensioner pulley bearings, meaning that the sealed bearing inside it has gone out, and the pulley needs to be replaced. I had to do this a while ago, and it is a very simple fix and costs about $60 for both pulleys and anyone mechanically inclined (meaning they can use a ratchet and socket) can do this. All you have to do is go pick up new pulleys and use a ratchet to undo the old one, save the bolt from the old one and put the bolt through the new one and bolt it back up and tighten the belt. Doing this yourself will save you quite a bit of money.

You might also check your water pump, as it has a pulley (the big metal one in the center, not at the bottom, as I had the bearing in it go out too. And I had to replace the fan clutch as well.

Hopefully it isn't your alternator, because that is $200... haha I just did all three of them and a water pump about three months ago.

This is the diagram for the pulleys, and it is probably the idler pulley, the belt tensioner, the water pump, or the alternator (GEN)

 

[PinkCamoDodge]

I'll get a pic. But see, when I shut her off....I tried to wiggle the pully that was hopping while it was running, but it won't budge! I guess maybe it's attatched to something else under the engine making it hop? Hmm....I wonder if I can get a video of it and try to get it uploaded here. I'm going to go try that. Y'all will be able to see and hear it. I watched the belt, it was on track. Now I still hadn't fixed that sensor that was making my idle erratic yet, but I don't think this new issue is related.

 

[PinkCamoDodge]

Got a short video. Uploading it now, gonna take about twenty minutes though to get it uploaded to Youtube. So slow.

 

[PinkCamoDodge]

Well here's the vid. Sorry for the poor quality. Truck sounds so terrible. :/

Truck Running Terrible/ 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 5.9L - YouTube

 

[BAILEY1]

That tension pulley is doing the harlem shake. It is definitely bad and needs to be replaced. I don't think that's what causing your truck to sputter and jump as you described. How long did you leave it sitting up while the engine was reworked.

 

[PinkCamoDodge]

It was a few months ago that the engine was redone. It went to the shope the day after the engine went out. Was at the shop for about a week and a half being fixed. Got it back after that and it's been fine except the erratic idle/sensor issue I haven't got fixed yet.

 

[99RamSport360]

Yes, it is definitely the tensioner. It isn't supposed to wobble like that at all. I would replace that right away.

 

[brightwhitesport]

The tensioner will not make it run rough, you have two separate problems.

 

[Chewy]

Wait... The engine is running rough and probably accelerating and decelerating VERY quickly. The tensioner WILL move like that. I see NO problem with it. It's supposed to move a little.

You have a completely different issue. You let the fuel get so low you may have sucked water that was in the tank. You could start by adding a bottle of HEET or another fuel dryer and fill the tank and go from there.

I'd guess, it's either fuel, vacuum leak, or bad plug, wire, or distributor (if it has one)

Chris

 

[WhiteExpress]

That tension pulley is doing the harlem shake. It is definitely bad and needs to be replaced. I don't think that's what causing your truck to sputter and jump as you described. How long did you leave it sitting up while the engine was reworked.

This is 1/2 true. You need to replace the tensioner ASSEMBLY, not just the pulley. The bounce is caused by the tensioner spring being weak. It's actually a really simple job, somewhat pricey unit.

Your idle issue seems like either an IAC (Idle Air Control Valve) or maybe a TPS (Throttle position sensor)

 

[Trupiano]

Wait... The engine is running rough and probably accelerating and decelerating VERY quickly. The tensioner WILL move like that. I see NO problem with it. It's supposed to move a little.

Granted I haven't owned an older style engine, but my 04, 05, and now 2011 have never done that. Never seen the tensioner move that much. But I agree, she might have a secondary issue as well.

 

[WhiteExpress]

So, I just happen to by in my Dad's '99 Ram 360 today. Remembered this thread.
I replaced his tensioner assembly about a year ago. Here's it idling.


(Click the picture)

It hardly moves even with changes in RPM.

 

[Casper]

So some of y'all may remember a while back, not TOO long ago, that I had to replace my engine. :/

WELL..........I was low on gas today. Cranked it up, getting ready to go to the gas station, going by my needle, I should have been able to make it to the station. So I crank her up, and it starts, but is jumpin/sputtering, idling REAL rough. RPM's dropping pretty low. I go next door and borrow a gas can of the neighbor's that had gas in it. Add that. Start her back up, gave it a minute, SAME thing. My husband went to the gas station and filled up another gas can of ours, I added that. Cranked it again, same damn thing. I popped the hood and looked to see if anything was obvious. One thing I noticed is that one of the (please don't laugh, I'm doing my best to describe) circular parts that my belt wraps around, looked like it was loose? Belt was still rotating normally though. I am about to scream/cry I am so frusterated. I don't expect a miracle diagnosis but does anyone have any ideas as to what is wrong? I'll likely be having it towed yet again Monday to the shop that replaced my engine.

The tensioner is secondary to why the truck is running poorly, despite a lot of well meaning, but not topical banter.

Yes, it might eventually seize, or throw the belt in time, but the issue for today is the truck is running like crap. Two components have been suggested as the culprit by White Express: Idle Air Control Valve and Throttle Position Sensor both sound like good candidates.

Bottomline: Given the level of mechanical acumen demonstrated in your original description of the pulley, PinkCamo, the vehicle needs to be taken to a qualified diagnostic shop (this does not necessarily mean a delaership, just someone you trust who can run diagnostics on your engine and replace the faulty component(s)).

While they're in there, you can ask for an estimate on the tensioner and decide whether that can wait or has to be added to the bill today.

 

[PinkCamoDodge]

Well,she's gonna be towed, hopefully this week, to the shop so we shall see. I will certainly post the verdict. I really appreciate all the input from everyone here.....very very helpful. I knew it's not possible for a difinitive diagnostic over the internet, but I also know that sometimes problems that may be common can be recognized as well.

 

[BAILEY1]

Any updates on this problem?

 

[HolyRamBatman]

The tensioner pulley needs to be replaced but it's not the problem your looking for. If you take the belt off the truck will run fine just not to long. So pulley is secondary but necessary. Your man can change that for little coin.

Running low on gas sounds like the cause. Maybe sucked some trash/water into fuel system. Possible air in the lines.

I know time and mainly money keeps us from fixing stuff when it needs it but you can't let this stuff build up. It becomes a nightmare to diagnose and expensive to fix a lot of things at once.

Start with that sensor you mentioned and go from there. Your man should be able to change this also.