I have an 1989 Dodge Dakota with the V-6 TBI engine. I had, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, air filter, oil change,and fuel filter all changed and I still lack the power I had, and when I drive the truck it smells like gas, but nothing is wet anywhere. Idles just fine, not making any abnormal noises just really poor acceleration and smells like raw gas. Anyone with any ideas? Thanks

you may have a plugged fuel filter as you don`t say if you have changed it. also have your fuel pressure tested with a gage, it should run about 36 lbs pressure if its multi-point fuel injection or run at about 15/18 lbs pressure if its a throttle body.

Check your repair manual for ECM voltage and signals! There is no communicatiin between the the ECM advance and the engine beyond idle..........

spark plugs,plug wires,distributer cap,rotor,pcv, and air filter to do complete tune up,the fuel filter is located in the tank and does not need to be replaced

Oxygen sensor. They tend to fail by sending the engine computer a steady lean reading. the computer then runs the TBI rich in order to compensate for the false lean condition.

Also, the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor. If it fails and shows the engine to be ice cold when it is really warm, the computer will schedule lots of fuel.

Intake Air Temperature sensor. same result as ECT above. Computer sees nothing but cold dense air all the time and schedules more fuel.

This would include your spark plugs or coils, the wires, a new distributor cap, an oil change, air filter, fuel filter, and a coolant flush. A tune up can make a car run like new again. Some don't change the fuel filter on a tune up but I have always said it is best too. They can get clogged up over time.

Many things can cause this, so I'll just try to hit the high spots.

1. Poor fuel ignition (bad plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc.
2. Improper Ignition Timing
3. Lean air fuel ratio mixture
4. Defective Catalytic Convertor
5. Defective Air Injection System.
6. Low Compression

These are general things that can cause this condition, but they may not be applicable to your particular vehicle.

Try a good old fashioned tune up: Plugs, wires, cap, rotor and points (if applicable) and a new air filter.

Wouldn't be a bad idea to also change the oil and oil filter.

The final item (#6) is a sign of a well worn engine and if this proves to be the primary problem, I'm afraid a engine rebuild is in order.

Anyway, good luck!

SLUGGLISH ENGINE COULD BE STOPPED UP FUEL FILTER AND FUEL INJECTORS.YOU COULD HAVE LOW TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL OR TRANSMISSION FILTER NEED CHANGING.OR YOU HAVE RESTRICTED EXHAUST MUFFLER OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

replace the air filter,pcv valve and spark plugs if over 60 k and the wires are original replace dist cap rotor and wires also then clean the throttle bore spotless with cab cleaner and a rag scan for any codes and sensors out of range there is no fuel filter (it is part of the fuel pump)

ahave you recently change air filter , fuel filter and engine oil? if you do this , are you able to perform a fuel pressure test in the TBI port?

I'm assuming this truck has Power Steering. (my 2000 Dodge Dakota does) Because the power steering pump is causing a strain on the engine when you turn the steering wheel and it is also being strained by putting the truck in 4 wheel drive, A simple tune up might be in order. By tune up I mean spark plugs, spark plug wires, air cleaner, Distributor cap and rotor button. I would also check the timing on the engine and if possible change the fuel filter (The fuel filter is a real bear on this truck because it is in the fuel tank along with the fuel pump and sending unit)