Spark knock fix comming!!!!

[kpzbee]

Just got home from a 4.7 engine class & the instructor showed me a copy of a memo stating that a new TSB for spark knock will be arriving soon (no date yet) From what I read, It will be a "flash" reprogram to retard the timing to stop the knock if the intake is not leaking or has allready been repaired. Just some info for ya.

[This message has been edited by kpzbee (edited January 25, 2000).]

[RAM MAN]

thanks for the info and the update . . . keep us posted !!! A lot of people have questions on the spark knock and how to fix it.

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"Good Luck on your project."

[Albin]

I had the local Dodge dealership fix my spark knock/pinging using the current TSB (on the FRitz page) and now the truck won't get warm to save its life. Its 16-18 degrees here now, the radiator is mostly covered by cardboard as a air blocker and the truck won't get warm after 20 minutes of freeway driving at speed!

Albin

[kpzbee]

Albin, It sounds thou you need a thermostat pretty bad - Not sure if just a coincidence that it took a dump while it was in the shop or if someone didn't know what they were doing. Belive it or not, I've had it happen to me. Worked on someones vehicle & something else breaks or quits & I hadn't been near it!! Might call the dealer & explane to them the situation, & see what happens. Maybe thell give you a break to replace it since it was just in there - Doing the cardboard is not good - You take the chance of overheating your engine. Good Luck!! Keith

[Bob Warfield]

I have another Ram on order. My wife took over the 99. I ordered the 360 in the new one and now I wonder if it's really going to feel that much different than the 318. Had I known they were going to back off the timing I might not have spent the extra $900.00 for the 360 upgrade. Any thoughts?

[kpzbee]

Last I knew, they weren't charging any extra for a 5.9. I haven't seen a 5.2 RAM in quit a while (comming in new) Your new truck shouldn't have the timing retarded - It's just a fix for ones with the problem, not an overall application.

[Bob Warfield]

We ordered the new one just before Christmas. I don't know if I'm getting a 2000 or a 2001. Doesn't matter. I would have to look up the order sheet but I'm sure the 360 was right around $900. extra with the other packages I got. We got our 99 last July off the lot with a 318 and love it.

[bemiller]

I had a '96 Ram with the 318 and used it to tow my racecar and trailer all over. Well after a certain incedent involving a Mr. Magoo type coming home from races one night. I had to buy a new Ram. And my new one '99 Quad-Cab tows much better with the 360 than the 318. If your not going to do alot of towing you probably won't notice the difference though. Also when I'd tow with the 318 it got absolutely no gas mileage (would use full tank going to track and back)and the 360 (uses little over half tank) gets the same towing as it does any other time. But my 360 does sound like a rattle-can going up hills. Mabeye I'll try the 180 thermostat, whenever it gets above zero outside since the trucks won't fit in garage!

[RufusTheRam]

i tow a 24 ft. boat with my 99 ram 318 5 speed, and occasianally a tandem wheel trailer with a bobcat on it... ditto on the mileage. it sucks. if you're on the road at a constant speed, it's not bad but start and go stuff it dives to somewhere arouns th 5-8 mpg range. i usually get about 14 around town with the stick. my buddy with a 97 360 pulls a 32 ft. boat and reports very little drop in his mileage....