I have a 96 1500 short box standard cab 5.2 2wd auto/3.55 that I'm fixing up. Has about 160k on it. It has to crank a long time or several short bursts in order to get it running then it runs rough for 15-20 seconds then smooths out fine. I just got a new crank position sensor for it that I'm going to install hoping that cures the hard start. I was looking at the PCM and noticed a tag with software update that was done in september of 98.Is this the dreaded death flash that I've read about. If so is there any way to reverse this. It gets terrible gas millage at 12.5 average and I would think this thing should get at least 15 to 17. Any help on improving millage would be greatly appreciated.

Have you checked the keg intake from any signs of oil on the inside of the plenum.

My 92 Dakota had a similar issue when I first bought it. I changed the plenum gasket and she ran nice and smooth. No hard start. And milage went from 12mpg to 17mpg.

Have you used the key to check for codes?

I have a code scanner and it came up with the crank position sensor as a soft code that's the only code I get anymore. Once it starts it runs a little rough for 10 or 15 seconds then it smooths right out and runs great it dose not seem to have the power it should but It dose not use excesive amounts of oil (1/2qt in 3k) and no drips on the floor or anything like that. It dose not look like the intake has ever been off.

Replaced the crank sensor and it made no difference. there is a sticker for updated software on the PCM so from everything I have read it has the "death flash" I don't use the ruck much but it is racing season so I'm going to wait a couple of months then pull the intake and replace the pendulum gasket. I will keep a look out for a un flashed pcm or a SCT tuner to get the advance curve back to were it should be.

Sounds like a fuel pump. Won't hold pressure on shut down, have to crank awhile for pressure to reach the rails and then it starts when it isn't at full pressure, runs rough till the pressure comes to full and then smooths out. Not saying that's what it is, but I've seen it before.

As dumb as it may seem the coil on those engines often go bad they start to rust on the bottom and then hard start. Also the intake as stated before and plugs they should be changed around 20-30K

Truck has fresh wires/plugs/cap and rotor so the basic tune up is done. I have gaskets coming to do the pendulum. I will check the coil for corrosion. Can anyone recommend a "tuner" to get the timming advance back were it should be. I drove it with my scanner hooked up and the highest advance it got was 34* and any little change in load or throttle position and it would drop to the high teens low twenties. That cant be good for power or economy.

Put a fuel pressure gauge on it and see if the pressure bleeds off after you shut it down.

Easy fix, take out the IAC (idle air control) and clean it with brake cleaner and compressed air.

Common problem in all Mopars of that era.

Best way to wake it up is with SCT. contact hemifever. I HIGHLY reccomend him.

Hemifever@aol.com or his website www.hemifevertuning.com

The older 9550 tuners are discontinued, but a new better version is due out any time now. --they said 'end of summer'.

I will do all the above as time and $ permit. Thank you all for your help.