Dodge Truck


General Dakota Board
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Travis
Unregistered
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1/16/2001
19:47:10

Subject: wont start
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I attempted to start my '97 3.9 V6 Dakota this morning, but it would just whine and not turn over. I discovered that if I gave it some gas with the key turned it would turn over, but then as soon as I released the key it would die unless i kept giving it gas. I finally got it to stay in gear long enough to drive around the block, but there was lots of white smoke, so rather than risk my baby's well-being by forcing it to the nearest auto shop (about 7 miles away) I took it straight back into my driveway. Not knowing crap about fixing cars, the only thing I can figure is that it might be watery fuel or oil. Any ideas on how to remedy this problem would be greatly appreciated.



Dan Gruber
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1/17/2001
12:17:40

RE: wont start
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Travis,

White smoke (more accurately steam or a smoky-steamy combo) from the tailpipe is usually a prime indicator of trying to burn water...i.e. a blown head gasket or cracked/warped head allowing water to enter the combustion chamber.

What happened the last time you drove the vehicle? Was it running fine? Was there something done that would stress the engine hard enough to blow a gasket or crack/warp the head? Another possibility might be that someone loaded your gas tank with something that shouldn't be there...water, oil, or maybe even diesel? Just throwing out some options.

Bottom line: don't drive it! Have it towed to a dealer or a mechanic that you trust. Call them first to see what they think it might be.

Good luck,

Dan
2000 CC/SLT+/4X4/4.7/auto/3.55LSD



Dave
GenIII
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1/17/2001
12:57:06

RE: wont start
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I agree with Dan.

Good luck and I hope things work out ok.

Dave Fisher
1998 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Sport 4X4
3.9L V6

Bernd
GenIII
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1/17/2001
16:02:15

RE: wont start
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Definitely take it to the shop/dealer. One thing though...giving it "gas" is actually giving it air. (It's not a carburetor) ;)

There's just too many things that come to mind on what could be wrong...Bad TPS, Clogged Fuel Sock, Bad MAP, etc.....

Regardless, take it to a shop.


Bernd D. Ratsch
1997 Dodge Dakota SLT
Supercharged w/Nitrous

   P 1


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