....Diagnosing problems.

My '93 Dakota has started running rough when cold (first fire of the day). If its actually cool out too, there will be a few anxious moments as it warms up.

Once warmed up though, runs strong and smooth.

I've checked minor things like vacuum leaks and check that everything is still torqued to spec after having replaced the plenum gasket a few months ago. Everything seems OK in those areas.

Temp sensor? Fuel pressure regulator?

I've been procrastinating on getting a FSM for this, its time for me to step up and get one.

Any suggestions in the meantime?

Thanks.

I'll trade you problems. Mine runs poorly after it warms up, runs great when its cold.

I know this will sound dumb, but is the stove pipe between the exhaust manifold and the air cleaner housing connected properly, and does the vacuum door on the air cleaner snout function correctly? Way back when this efi first started, the biggest single thing causing poor drivability when cold was the tube between the manifold and the air cleaner housing.
Gene

I'll have a look at mine, too! Thanks Gene!

I would check your throttle body for carbon build up, in particular the IAC motor/pintle. If this gets sticky with carbon, will cause stumbling at idle.

If this is for me, the IAC motor is new, and the area it sits in is spotless. The throttle body was "hosed down" inside and out with carb cleaner while it was off the motor. It looks like a brand new throttle body, all nice & shinny in all the ports & passages, both inside & out. If air, fuel, or vacuum passed by, that area was clean. Gene

On mine, when I replaced the plenum gasket, I pulled the throttle body off and got it as close to spotless as I could get it. I did not replace the IAC motor, but cleaned it to like new condition.

Had my mechanic check my truck today.

I've been bit by cheap parts.

The plug wires I bought back in March are bad.

Didn't go house brand, but, went with a cheaper name brand and still got bit.

Yay its nothing major. Boooo that I gotta do something twice.

At least it's easy!

It never ends.

I replaced the wires and coil and now I have a new problem.......

no traction.

Yeah, if I got down on it before, it would spin, especially if making a turn, but now it'll break loose at lower speeds even going straight.

Driving in the rain is almost impossible. Its fun to kick the back out when you expect it. Not so fun when it does it in traffic just trying to accelerate normally.

Honestly, the '76 Club Cab powered by a 440 I used to own didn't spin as much as this thing does now.

Get better tires! (Once these are burned off, of course!)