77 dodge powerwagon problem

[KRB64]

And here I was calling them sparkplugs all this time...

I think your carb need adjusting/rebuilt since you can play footsies with it to make it go.

The neutral safety bypass described earlier will narrow it down unless you have some kind of short in the column.

[Robert Frederick]

I would also look for a large vacuum leak. A big one would behave like this.

[powerwagonalb]

77 power wagon problem

thanks bart for the info.
can you tell me about where on the engine they hook up? i know about ballast resistors that hook up on drivers side under hood by electronic control module. is that maybe what you are describing?
thank you
alan

[powerwagonalb]

77 powerwagon problem

krb64
you almost got me rolling over on that one you posted.

[busbart]

Hello Alan,

Apparently the "bougies" are named spark plugs in American English.
actually it's very simpel, they are at the engine side of the spark plug cable, mounted by means of a screw tread in the engine and provide there the spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture.

The thing here is (and i did not know that either) that they have a certain internal resistance (to not interfere with electronic equipment such as on board computers, radio's and such).

and if this resistance is big as in modern cars with a lot of these electronics, your Dodge will resist to run smooth and nice! (been there did that).
and if you exchange them for sparkplugs with a very low internal resistance typically used in older vehicles such as your Dodge, (and mine too) your engine will run as the proverbal sewing machine!....

ps this same difference exists also in the sparkplug cables!

a good car supply store can help you out, they have to have books which discribe the differences and can give you the numbers for the different type of spark plugs (thank you,KRB64)

Bart

[KRB64]

So Bart, you were serious? May I ask where you are from? I thought you were just pulling our leg a little with the bougies.

[busbart]

Hello KRB64,

i'm Dutch from origine, living in France these day's
and still have a soft spot for U.S. build trucks!

Bart

[powerwagonalb]

77 powerwagon problem

bart
thank you for all that info you just provided. although the bougies(spark plugs) is one of the first things i changed out a while back when i first got my ol power wagon. and change out distributor cap and rotor bug inside underneath distributor cap and also put in new spark plug wires(we call this a tune up) thanks though for contribution but i think i figured out my electrical problem as being a loose connection on back of alternator guage as big red power wire (nuts holding wire on terminal) loose as a goose. all the other guys on site helped me out just like you.
i am thinking i have a carburetor problem as truck stays running great until i try and step on gas pedal. then it will die (sounds like bogging down real bad and dies.) pretty sure it is now only a carb problem as no more crazy power failures! definitely think something off about carb though.
thanks again
alan

[busbart]

Alan,

You're welcom!

Bart

[KRB64]

i am thinking i have a carburetor problem as truck stays running great until i try and step on gas pedal. then it will die (sounds like bogging down real bad and dies.) pretty sure it is now only a carb problem as no more crazy power failures! definitely think something off about carb though.
thanks again
alan

Sounds like the accelerator pump to me. A rebuild is due.

[powerwagonalb]

77 dodge powerwagon problem

krb64
a friend of mine did a rebuild less than a year ago but i am wondering if he may have missed something. i have never tackled a truck carb rebuild just a 2 stroke atv and they are fairly easy. how hard is a 318 carb rebuild as it sure seems like a carb problem (accelerator pump) to me also. just as soon as you step on the gas from a stop it bogs down and dies.
thank you
alan

[KRB64]

I have to do mine every couple years. Needs it now. Or maybe mines just worn out?

Easy, just follow the directions that come with the kit. They are a simple carb. Watch the little balls in there, pay attention to how it came apart. You've got atv experience so this is just a step up. I think the hardest part is getting the kickdown/fast idle adjusted right.

If you feather/play the pedal can you get over that initial bogging down and then she goes OK?

[powerwagonalb]

77 dodge power wagon problem

Thanks for the info KRB64
i didn't really drive it after it died on me the other day. i sort of babied it so i could get back to park it. i need to check it out the next time and see if i can feather the pedal though. another reason i didnt go too far is my m880 or whatever is a dang manual steering. i have a 73 power wagon 360 which has lockouts and power steering which i like alot better than manual steering. how hard would it be to make my 77 power steering once i get it running right? would i need to change out steering column or any thing else to do the mod as i do want to make it power steering in the future.
thanks
alan

[74w300uteline]

power steering

Ron in Indiana just added power steering to my 75 w200 crewcab. he said it was easy, but "easy" is a relative term. my M880 has manual steering, the novelty wore off fast so I put rock hard, tall skinny, lug tread tires on it. now shes easier to manuver.

[Ron in Indiana]

Changing over to PS is a direct bolt in with factory parts. The steering column does NOT change. You need to see if you have a reverse rotation steering box which I'll assume you do. Get a PS reverse rotation box, pump and brackets from a donor truck. The box I used was from a 90 1 ton truck but it doesn't have to be a 1 ton. Just as long as it matches rotation. Tune the input and if it turns clockwise but the output of the steering arm goes counter clockwise you'll know what you have. You should have a bottom pulley already on your truck to take the belt. If you find a complete set up take EVERYTHING, box, pump, hoses, brackets,etc. The manual box is shorter but has a longer output shaft. Not a problem it will bolt up. I would replace the hoses with new while you're at it they are fairly cheap, $25 or so a piece. Go for it, it's easy enough and makes all the difference in the world. I couldn't believe it the change over went so well. IF you can't find a steering box they do have reconned units at Autozone. PS pumps and brackets are all basicly the same with some hose end differences. Let me know if you need any more help.