1987 Dodge Ram Wagon B150 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

if it wont stop charging then there is a bad regulator/rectafier,and it will need to be replaced.on most vehicles the reg/rec is usually inside of the alternator and in that case the alternator will need replacement,but in your case i am pretty sure that the reg/rec is separate from the alternator.In order to find out if it is separate from the alt call an auto parts store and ask them if they sell just the regulator/rectifier separate from the alternator.If they do then replace just the reg/rec.If it is not sold separately then replace the whole alternator

you will need at least 5 or 6 qts. you can decide on the oil filter and the kind of oil to buy, they have valvoline, pennzoil, exxon, all kinds and the oil filter, they sell purolator, ac, fram,(fram is what i buy). if its got high miles, then use high milage oil.

Have your electrical system tested for shorts.

You starter could also be using higher amperage if its older. You would need to remove it and have it checked at a parts store.

You can buy a switch that mounts on the battery and disconnects the battery completely from the vehicle when not in use. This way you can rule out a short AND have a practical way of immobilizing the van when you want to.

do not use 10W-40W, it will starve the engine rod and main bearings, use the 5W-20W as recommended, also thicker oils can blow the oil filter off, seen it a number of times.

Your mechanic may be correct about your computer? On older vehicles, I've seen where the check engine lite was burnt out. On some of these, I hooked up a scanner to the data link connector, the scanner shows live engine data, even if the vehicle won't start, you can get some info, if the computer is ok. No, I couldn't get trouble codes. I don't know what testing was done by you or the mechanic? You can test the basics, make sure battery has a full charge. If it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs, where applicable. If spark everywhere, use a gage and check proper fuel pressure and fuel injector pulse.

I had a 1973 Dodge Dart Sport with a 318 c.i. engine (5.2 liter) that started doing the same thing around 173,000 miles. I replaced the main and rod bearings (.001" undersized) and the oil pump and it ran like new until I sold it about 15,000 miles later. Check the crank surfaces carefully for damage when you take the bearing caps off. If they show any rough surfaces you will probably need to have the crank machined.

I'am guessing you don't have the distributor set correctly

Under the rotor there is a plate

Under the plate is a Hall Effect Sensor for injector timing,
not ignition timing

Move the distributor & you have problems

cant get what out? on what? yr, make?

AN OIL PAN HAS LOTS OF BOLTS THERE SMALL BUT YOU TIGHTEN THEM TO 10 FT-LBS AHD YOU HAVE SAY 30 THATS 300 FT-LBS ITS GOT TO DO WITH EVEN PRESSURE TRY TRYING TO SNUG UP ONES THAT MAY BE LOSE ALTHOUGHT ITS HARD TO STOP AN OIL LEAK ONCE IT STARTS GOOD LUCK

I have some really nice diagrams but please post the engine size and whether or not you have an oxygen sensor, if you know, and I'll post the right pictures. There are too many to post every option.

Yes, this is normal what is going on is that your oil pump is not spinning as fast. your pump runs off the motor and the fast the motor goes ( rmp ) the fast the pump spins and pumps. the motor dose not need as much at low rmp as high rpm. look up toroidal oil pump.
Mark
C.C. Motorsports

CHECK BULBS.IF GOOD YOUR TRANSMISSION PARK NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH IS BAD.

I had a 1994 Dodge Ram same as you have it sounds. The Red Dodge Ram I had it malfunctioned and my brake became the throttle. I had to put the truck in reverse then park to stop it. Are you sure its not electrical and the curse control is not giving you trouble? Mine had multifunction switch was not working and the headlight switch burned up. I also found out that Audi had problem with the brake becoming the throttle in the 1980s Daimler Chrysler and Audi were German made. I don't think there is an easy answer. I hope you stay safe.

Start with the silly, obvious things first. Check the coils packs are the correct ones and are seated correctly. Check the wiring connectors are also seated correctly. Have you checked for spark on all of the coils? This will test to see if it is the coils themselves or further back in the ignition system. Have you had the vehicle scanned for OBD trouble codes? This will help find out if it's a sensor causing the issue. Next you need to check for voltage going to the coil packs. Check them all to make sure it isn't just one or two causing the issue. After this I would suggest getting a good Auto electrician to look at it as it could be an issue inside the vehicle's electronics.

A few possibilities: Key FOB Proximity: If the key FOB is near the vehicle, the "Push to Start" screen might stay on. Door Sensor: If the vehicle's door sensor is malfunctioning or if the doors are not properly closed, it could cause the screen to stay on. Battery Issues: If there's an issue with the vehicle's battery or the battery of the key FOB, it could potentially cause this problem. It's also worth noting that some users have reported similar issues with their vehicles and have found success in disregarding the prompts asking to turn off/turn on the car You may have to go to a professional mechanic to get this properly diagnosed. That said, here is the service manual: https://cardiagn.com/dodge-charger-2015-2018-service-manual-wiring-diagrams/

Question edited for clarity. A 'witch' is a lady with a pointy hat that use a broomstick for transport. :>D The distributor will only go on one way that is a small notch in the cap that drops into a notch on the distributor body. Here is the 'firing order', what spark plug wire goes where. https://www.google.com/search?q=1978+dodge+tradesman+v8+firing+order ..

Question edited for clarity. 'Manuel' is the name a Spanish gentleman, a 'manual' is the book you need. There are some good ones in here. https://www.google.com/search?q=1978+Dodge+Tradesmen+manual ..

The ballast resistor in your 1997 Dodge B3500 van is situated under the exhaust manifold, where the engine and transmission connect. ballast resistor ' DodgeTalk Forum

The starter relay is found in the underhood fuse panel, located driver's side of the engine bay between the battery and the shock mount.

I suggest you take this to a TRAINED PROFESSIONAL.