Last fall, I posted several messages about a backfire problem when I encountered long uphill climbs.
After replacing the oxygen sensor, EGR valve, plugs, ignition wiring and anything else that seemed likely to contribute to the problem, I took it into Procare. Procare tested everything, and concluded that the distributer gears and bushing needed to be replaced - which they would be pleased to do for $1022 plus tax. They say the major cost is to remove and reinstall the intake manifold in order to get to the gear.
The local Dodge dealer wanted about $300. They said the gear can be replaced without removing the manifold.
I declined Procare's offer and they re-installed the distributer and what ever they had removed. They in turn declined to replace the muffler that had been throughly exploded in their testing.
Since I don't use the pickup during the winter, I decided to wait until now to take it in to the dealer.
Now, however, the backfire and stalling problem is gone! I have driven over 1200 miles up and down big hills and accelerated up these hills and it just doesn't fail. I am pleased but puzzled.
Did Procare correct a timing problem when the distributer was re-installed? Or maybe with the rotor position sensor? And it is likely to stay fixed? Any idea?
Thanks