1997 dodge 1500 sport 5.9L V8

Fuel pump. I just pulled apart the dead fuel pump from my Astro today. Looking at the motor, it would have to land on one position only in order for it to have restarted as the brushes contacts on 3 of the 8 windings had worn down. Likely you could get the engine to fire if you used starting fluid, but it wouldn't stay running.

dodges run like that. if your worried put a 180 degree thermostat in. maybe even a 160 . wont hurt engine or fuel mileage . my 99 dodge ram 1500 sport runs fine with 160 degree one. hope it helped , good luck

Could be a long list of things, including low fuel pressure, throttle position sensor, EGR valve, dirty air filter, and so on.
Is the check engine light on ?
Does it feel like it is lacking fuel, or air ? Is it not downshifting when it should ?

Hello crey60
Try checking the fuel injector on the #3 clyinder for dirt or damage. A faulty injector will cause a missfire code and trip the check engine light. Hope this is helpful.

Poor fuel low octane rating, try major oil company gas (premium).

Try this:

Dodge 1995-1999 V8 spark plug wiring.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/18-48-98/18-48-98-v8.htm

you have pcm problems or ASD relay problems.they both control the fuel and ignition.

Hi
Check for plugged exhaust system. If plugged will cause overheating and misfiring of all cylinders.

Fuel in Cylinder Is CAUSED Most Likley BY THE MISSFIRE Check Spark at that Cyl. & Correct that. ALSO Fuel in oil Breaks Down Viscosity of the OIL so I Would Eliminate the Fuel in OIL Problem First to Determine if No Oil Pressure in top end

Your Dodge sounds as if it actually has several separate problems going on,first,with the check engine light,have it scanned for diagnostic trouble codes,and have the technician write down the code number and definition (description).This could lead down a diagnostic path that might explain some of the things going on with the truck.The oil gauge,take it back to the oil change place,and INSIST that you think they installed a defective oil filter.I had a defective oil filter cause my oil gauge to go whacky too.Hopefully the codes will lead to some clear problem,when you get the code numbers and definitions,come on back and we'll try and work through them with you.Another option is buying an OBD2 code reader.They can be bought for around $60,and you won't have to go a mechanic or AutoZone to get codes out of your vehicles.Good luck.Thanks for using Fixya.com