Now don't get me wrong here. I love Dodge's:gr_patrio. Most everyone in my family has or has had a Dodge that they love. (my brother-in-laws 06 being my favorite).:worthy:
But to be honest with yall, I think I'm falling from the Dodge scene as much as I'd hate to. :bawl:
After 2 weeks of working on my 85 D250 everyday, nothing would get it started. So I hauled it down to the shop I always go to and yesterday was 3 weeks that it has been there with no news on what is wrong. :help:
I paid 400$ for the truck so I know I can't be asking for a lot here. But is asking for it run to much?
Wiring is a job from hell and don't even get me started on the carb.
The truck has a good amount of rust on it but overall I thought it was a good running truck for the 11.6mi I got to drive it before it died.
It has 116,000 miles on it.
Is it worth the effort/ money to get running?
After it gets started the only thing I really need to do is rebuild the carb, and I would like to put full bolt-ons and maybe a cam.
Should I invest my money into something else?
The motor is only the 318...
Sorry for the long post
3834B
05-13-2009, 01:59 PM
Sorry about your troubles but the grass is definitely not always greener.
When these trucks get up in age (any old truck or vehicle for that matter) they take a tremendous ammount of work.
Basically a labor of love for most. Hang in there with it. You'll get it right.
volaredon
05-13-2009, 02:54 PM
yup; whats the alternative; huge payments, computers, more sensors, airbags and such that aren't really needed? Youll get it going; it is probably something "stupid simple" we've all beenthere; I know about teh 3 weeks and nothing; I waited 5 MONTHS to get my wheel flares, etc back from paint on my Wrangler! (he put them above the paintbooth and "forgot" about them!)
Sdodge
05-13-2009, 03:03 PM
I really hope you dont lose faith in Dodge b/c you got a $400 truck that is 24 YRS old.. The condition/problems certainly dont reflect Dodge trucks as a whole...
85_d250
05-13-2009, 03:19 PM
I really hope you dont lose faith in Dodge b/c you got a $400 truck that is 24 YRS old.. The condition/problems certainly dont reflect Dodge trucks as a whole...
I love dodges man...but you got admit these older ones have a hell of a time with the wiring and stuff...at least in this truck you can barely trace wires..(granted the previous owner thought he was "Mr. Fix-it" with duct tape and zip ties)
Reed_46052
05-13-2009, 04:15 PM
Old Trucks are just that old. I have a 86 ramcharger (purchased new) with 274K miles on it. it runs great but I've managed to keep it going all these years. I recommend that you purchase a factory service manual for your truck - mine has always helped me keep it going. one of the biggest problems is the hard vac. lines tend to break - and this vintage dodge has a lot of vac. lines.
failure to run might be the electronic ignition for the lean burn engine - check it for spark. the old 2 bbl holley is very reliable - but they do wear out. replacements for both are available at most local auto parts stores. Ig. typ. cost around $120 (there is a conversion available - check prior post here for what is available) the holley cost around $200 for rebuild) caution if you purchase a rebuilt carb. do not exchange the old one. I did and that was a mistake - the rebuilt one came with the wrong jets (too lean) so I had to purchase a spare used carb for the correct jets.
reed
volaredon
05-13-2009, 04:40 PM
I dont think he has lean burn but instead the conventional ECU. I'd start searching the junkyards for a more suitable not hacked-up harness.
and trust me don't worry about it having "only" a 318 unless you tow huge loads all the time; in which case I'd be looking for at least a 383 if not a larger version of a Big block to swap in! otherwise that 318 will serve you just fine! A manifold/carb swap, timing chain (as a matter of maintenance; mine with 121K was VERY sloppy) better do that rather than have it "go out" on you! and catch up on belts, hoses, T stat, radiator flush, etc and that 318 will run for many miles yet if you do the maint. on it (oil changes, tuneups etc) I have seen many still running with 200+ K on them with just basic maint. I upgraded my 318 with EQ neads (the ones "everyone" wants for the 400HP builds) a stock 360-2 cam, Performer intake and AFB carb (mine was a 2 bbl too) Edelbrock double roller t chain set, and (not mandatory but I did on mine) a set of Hooker Super Comp headers and true duals w/o cats. BIGGG Difference vs the power it had when I brought it home with the same 116K on it that yours has on it; mine's now at 124XXX miles and I LOVE IT! ive had several other Dodge trucks from 78-88. plus my 90 Dakota.
Megunticook
05-13-2009, 04:59 PM
I sympathize totally and know that sense of frustration.
A few years ago I concluded that I simply could not count on "professional" mechanics to work on the truck. Partly because a lot of younger guys now aren't familiar with the older systems, partly because there are a lot of mechanics out there who really don't give a rat's ass about the quality of the work they're doing, and partly because fixing an old truck that's been neglected or hacked on requires a lot of time and patience and mechanics don't want to or can't afford to take that kind of time (without charging you a boatload of cash, that is).
If you're willing to invest in some basic tools, a factory service manual, and take the attitude that your truck requires TLC, and if you are willing/able to take the time and tackle things that may be a little above your head, you can slowly restore your beast into a reliable vehicle. I know, I started doing it 3 years ago on my '73 Dodge and I can pretty much count on the truck to work well now after nearly giving up on it.
The key is approaching things systematically, educating yourself, and tackling the various systems one by one--if you do that you can resolve just about any mechanical problem (almost, there are limits of course).
If you really don't enjoy tinkering, forget it and sell the truck...the only alternative is to find the rare mechanic who is both knowledgeable about older vehicles and totally conscientious in his (or her) work, and to pay them a whole lot of money.
Good luck!
85_d250
05-13-2009, 05:57 PM
I sympathize totally and know that sense of frustration.
A few years ago I concluded that I simply could not count on "professional" mechanics to work on the truck. Partly because a lot of younger guys now aren't familiar with the older systems, partly because there are a lot of mechanics out there who really don't give a rat's ass about the quality of the work they're doing, and partly because fixing an old truck that's been neglected or hacked on requires a lot of time and patience and mechanics don't want to or can't afford to take that kind of time (without charging you a boatload of cash, that is).
If you're willing to invest in some basic tools, a factory service manual, and take the attitude that your truck requires TLC, and if you are willing/able to take the time and tackle things that may be a little above your head, you can slowly restore your beast into a reliable vehicle. I know, I started doing it 3 years ago on my '73 Dodge and I can pretty much count on the truck to work well now after nearly giving up on it.
The key is approaching things systematically, educating yourself, and tackling the various systems one by one--if you do that you can resolve just about any mechanical problem (almost, there are limits of course).
If you really don't enjoy tinkering, forget it and sell the truck...the only alternative is to find the rare mechanic who is both knowledgeable about older vehicles and totally conscientious in his (or her) work, and to pay them a whole lot of money.
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice man, I have the tools and I love "tinkering". I'm going to Lincoln Tech next year for just that. I have the chiltons for it. I think the problem is a melted wire somewhere in that "harness from hell". I know we will get the truck started eventually. Just kinda sucks being 17 and going from a great runnign car to a non running truck lol...itll be worth it in the end i guess
86_custom
05-13-2009, 07:33 PM
a harness from a donor might be a good start too, is everything hacked or just the engine harness, dash harness etc.
bherder
05-13-2009, 08:04 PM
Ya know .... Dear Mopar Brother ... ;)
I don't think it's a question of 'Losing Faith in Dodge' so much as it's 'Losing Faith in Yourself'...
Hey, it's a 24 year-old truck ... Who knows what PO's did ... You only paid $400 for it (Hey, whadda' expect?)
You're going to find equal amounts of headache, whether you bought a $400 24-year-old Dodge-Furd-Chebbie-Toyota-Nissan-Mazda-etc etc etc.
(After all ... There is NO 'FREE LUNCH')
As 383 sez:
"When these trucks get up in age (any old truck or vehicle for that matter) they take a tremendous amount of work. Basically a labor of love for most."
And that's IT. Us OLD Dodge guys (Old as in age of the rig ... Well, yeah and age of some of US too .. :D ) We love our old pick-um-up's because... Well, we just luv em'. They're Dodges and we love Dodges. :D It truly IS a 'Labor of Love' .. If you luv yer Dodge and need something else to get around in, while you're waiting to have new floor-pans welded in, then you better get something else to get around in, while you're waiting to have new floor-pans welded in. It's just the way it is.
OK, YOU YOURSELF SAY:
"After 2 weeks of working on my 85 D250 everyday, nothing would get it started."
To be blunt, who's fault/problem is that? Maybe... Just maybe ... You're not as good a mechanic or as good at trouble-shooting as you think you are?
Not trying to sound like an A-hole or anything, but this is why you've come here, looking for help from the rest of us... Right?
"So I hauled it down to the shop I always go to and yesterday was 3 weeks that it has been there with no news on what is wrong."
Is that the fault of Dodge, or the mechanics? (Hey, they may be busy, OR crappy mechanics .. Who knows?)
Anyway, if it's purely an electrical/ignition prob, there are many here on this website who could/would have the problem diagnosed/fixed in a couple hours ... Prob is, we're not in your driveway under your hood .... so that makes it tough...
But to put it in a nutshell again ... It ain't cause it's a 'Dodge'... :D :D :D
bherder
05-13-2009, 08:09 PM
Hee hee hee .... BTW....
"going from a great runnign car to a non running truck"
It's a truck .... Don't be a Joey .. :D :D :D :D :D
Megunticook
05-13-2009, 08:09 PM
I have the chiltons for it.
Those are helpful, I started with one, but nothing beats a Factory Service Manual. Chiltons can be sketchy at times and, occasinally, just plain wrong. When I decided to take over the maintenance of my truck, I picked up an FSM on CD for a little under $50. Paid for itself with a couple months easily.
I think the problem is a melted wire somewhere in that "harness from hell".
The previous owner (and some so-called mechanics I'd taken the truck to) had totally made a mess of the wiring in my rig...and the stuff that wasn't hacked up was showing its age. I ended up rewiring the whole truck, basically. Not hard if you have wiring diagram, soldering iron, crimpers, heat gun (for shrink tubing). Just takes time and patience. In the process you will become intimately familiar with how your truck's electrical system works, which will make it a lot easier to troubleshoot any electrical issues down the road.
bherder
05-13-2009, 08:17 PM
"In the process you will become intimately familiar with how your truck's electrical system works"
My wife told me something like that 20+ years ago ...
Booster cables man, booster cables... :D :D :D
85_d250
05-13-2009, 08:41 PM
thanks for all the advice...who am I trying to kid anyhow? I love that old dodge just getting a little on the pissy side since i cant figure her out...
Only drove it about 11mi and im in love. It rides so smooth for a old truck...
well i have a few more Qs about this old truck ill post a new thread so it makes sense lol...
volaredon
05-13-2009, 08:47 PM
yup; my 83 D 250 rides so much better than my old 97 Ram 1500 (1/2 ton), its not even funny!
thejudges69
05-18-2009, 10:23 AM
my own opinion after working to put this aftermarket harness in my 78 is that its a lot of work but chevy trucks have a much better wiring setup and much more availability for aftermarket options. Dodge is a good truck but there lacking in the aftermarket, maybe thats why there broke. Just my opinion.
85_d250
05-18-2009, 10:30 AM
maybe thats why there broke. Just my opinion.
GM is broke to buddy...
thejudges69
05-18-2009, 11:35 AM
GM is broke to buddy...
Yeah i know i just wasn't referring to them in the quote. but yeah there all broke except the imports.
85_d250
05-18-2009, 11:41 AM
Yeah i know i just wasn't referring to them in the quote. but yeah there all broke except the imports.
Ok, I thought you were trying to say GM wasn't broke. lol
Was very confused.
thejudges69
05-18-2009, 11:42 AM
Ok, I thought you were trying to say GM wasn't broke. lol
Was very confused.
I think the big 3 are so broke they can't even pay attention. But hey you can still get a new truck at 0% interest for 60 mos. and employee pricing too.
