General info on new-to-me '94 Ram 350 van
motoguy
08-05-2007, 01:18 PM
So I recently acquired a new-to-me '94 Ram 350 van. Magnum 360, auto tranny, 225k miles. It's been a while since I've owned a Chrysler (had a 360 powered 1/2 ton Ram back in '99 or so), and I'm trying to familiarize myself with the van. I've never had a vehicle with 225k miles, so I'm looking into preventative maintenance issues, and potential engine / tranny replacement information.
The van seems to run and drive just fine at this time. A bit of wheel-rotation related noise, which may be bearings, or just the loud / old / worn tires. Engine / transmission seems to be fine, although there is a starting issue. Van will start fine on the 2nd crank when cold.
When it's hot, though (having been driven 30 miles or so), it has trouble re-starting. Basically, with the first 2-3 cranks, it'll do nothing. Starting with the 4th crank or so, it'll start to hit, but not fire. By the 6th crank or so it'll fire and run just fine. It has a "fuel" issue feeling to it, though I've not done any checks at this point. I have recently cleaned the injectors, though I have not checked / swapped the fuel filter, nor changed the fuel pump. Aside from that, it's a good van (Maxi-Van). The AC even works well!
I'm wondering if there are any common issues with the 360, which I would want to look out for. Also, I'm trying to determine which transmission is in the van, or (more likely), which transmission I'd want to put back in the van, should I need to replace the current unit. The van is a 15 passenger Maxi-Van, but it no longer has rear seats. The van will be used to haul motorcycles, pull enclosed trailer, and as a general utility hauler.
I really like the van, and the price was right, so I'm trying to educate myself on the drivetrain, and set myself up for a powertrain replacement if necessary. Being a Utah van (I'm in MO), the body is in excellent condition, compared to what I'm used to seeing.
The van seems to run and drive just fine at this time. A bit of wheel-rotation related noise, which may be bearings, or just the loud / old / worn tires. Engine / transmission seems to be fine, although there is a starting issue. Van will start fine on the 2nd crank when cold.
When it's hot, though (having been driven 30 miles or so), it has trouble re-starting. Basically, with the first 2-3 cranks, it'll do nothing. Starting with the 4th crank or so, it'll start to hit, but not fire. By the 6th crank or so it'll fire and run just fine. It has a "fuel" issue feeling to it, though I've not done any checks at this point. I have recently cleaned the injectors, though I have not checked / swapped the fuel filter, nor changed the fuel pump. Aside from that, it's a good van (Maxi-Van). The AC even works well!
I'm wondering if there are any common issues with the 360, which I would want to look out for. Also, I'm trying to determine which transmission is in the van, or (more likely), which transmission I'd want to put back in the van, should I need to replace the current unit. The van is a 15 passenger Maxi-Van, but it no longer has rear seats. The van will be used to haul motorcycles, pull enclosed trailer, and as a general utility hauler.
I really like the van, and the price was right, so I'm trying to educate myself on the drivetrain, and set myself up for a powertrain replacement if necessary. Being a Utah van (I'm in MO), the body is in excellent condition, compared to what I'm used to seeing.
alloro
08-05-2007, 01:42 PM
Regarding the starting issue. It does sound like a low fuel pressure/weak pump problem. It's easy enough to put a pressure gauge on it and watch the pressure while you turn the key on and attempt to start it.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2024