it,s got to be either 3 things. it,s getting too much gas and flooding out, it,s not getting enough gas to the engine or you don,t have spark. if it,s flooding then it could be the fuel pump regulator, if it,s not getting enough then it could be the fuel filter. if it,s getting the right amount then it could be the coil or module.
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98 Dodge Dakota turns over, getting gas but won't start.?
- Thread starter bandit_60
- Start date
Here's the catch. When trying to start it, it just turns over but never gets the gas to start it. Yet I can smell the gas after trying. But after turning it and turning and it not even attempting to start, as I shut the key off, it actually starts to start. but because the key is now off doesnt, although it definatly tries and is getting gas as I'm turning the key off.
Yes, I'd be checking for spark. You need fuel, compression, correct timing and spark to make the thing run. Sounds like you've got fuel and it also sounds likely that your timing and compression are okay, so check the spark. If the spark if weak then you have to look to the cause.
Hmmm...you know, it sounds like it might be a ballast resistor problem. If it's playing up all on its own, or if the coil is partly shorting, then you can get exactly the condition you're describing. Won't fire up, but wants to fire up just as you let go the key to stop the starter solenoid from sending juice to the starter. I had one that did exactly that and were it not for Dad telling me how to sort it out, it would've driven me nuts.
Anyways, you can check to see if the ballast resistor feels pretty warm after you've cranked for a short while. If it's getting too warm then that's likely the problem. The car's old enough to be running into annoying little problems like this. But in any case it's very likely electrical rather than mechanical, which is good news as it won't be too pricey to put it right. At worst it might be a matter of changing both the coil and ballast distributor.
Hmmm...you know, it sounds like it might be a ballast resistor problem. If it's playing up all on its own, or if the coil is partly shorting, then you can get exactly the condition you're describing. Won't fire up, but wants to fire up just as you let go the key to stop the starter solenoid from sending juice to the starter. I had one that did exactly that and were it not for Dad telling me how to sort it out, it would've driven me nuts.
Anyways, you can check to see if the ballast resistor feels pretty warm after you've cranked for a short while. If it's getting too warm then that's likely the problem. The car's old enough to be running into annoying little problems like this. But in any case it's very likely electrical rather than mechanical, which is good news as it won't be too pricey to put it right. At worst it might be a matter of changing both the coil and ballast distributor.
motor goozy
New member
let it sit for a bit , you may have flooded the engine, try it again later , if not try it tomorrow or another day.. you might need to clean the fuel-injectors (you'd have to open the fuel injection system and clean the jets with FI cleaner spray).
it,s got to be either 3 things. it,s getting too much gas and flooding out, it,s not getting enough gas to the engine or you don,t have spark. if it,s flooding then it could be the fuel pump regulator, if it,s not getting enough then it could be the fuel filter. if it,s getting the right amount then it could be the coil or module.
motor goozy
New member
let it sit for a bit , you may have flooded the engine, try it again later , if not try it tomorrow or another day.. you might need to clean the fuel-injectors (you'd have to open the fuel injection system and clean the jets with FI cleaner spray).