I have an 88 ram 50 2.0L i changed out the water pump amd now it won't start. I had it running for a couple minutes and i noticed the catalitic convertor was red hot and it started to back fire. I shut it down and now i can't get it restarted. what can i do?

did you check for vacuum leaks dodge is known for the plantuim gasket to go if not familiar this is the gasket under the intake manifold

I owned a 1988, Oldsmobile 88, that did that. after several hundred $ of "repairs" - It was that pump IN the gas tank that had gone bad.

When replacing an engine, the possibilities are endless. One unhooked wire somewhere could make the difference. But besides that, here are a couple things to consider:Your catalytic convertor could be all clogged up and fouling out he system with too much back pressure.
Also check your amperage readings because if your alternator is shot, you're running off straight battery power, which doesn't get you far.

sounding like a failed auto shutdown relay... as you probably know, it shouldn't take a full minute to get pressure, should be instantaneous..
Best regards
Ck

Have your catalitic convertor checked. When they go bad they clog up the exhaust system, not letting you vehicle breath. it will run(maybe) for a minute then die.
Randy

check to make sure the gasket is seated properly on the water pump... need to know where its from first

There are two possible things to check.The first being the ignition control module,and the other being the crankshaft position sensor.

Just an idea but your water pump is only rubber and setting for the winter it didnt stick to the sides of where it pumps did it.. sometimes these pumps are tempermental.. you might check your water pump again making sure its pumping right.. is it peeing out the sides good like it is suppose to ? also if its getting hot on top it makes me think the pump is not doing its job right maybe just pumping some.. not enough? just a thought .. thanks Jerry

yes when it leaks there its time for a new pump

i had this problem on my 88 t-bird 3.8L. not exactly sure of the cause but to remedy mine... it seems the computer was not telling the fuel pump that the car was running. so the fuel pump would quit pumping. run a wire from your battery to the positive line going to the fuel pump (temporary). if this solves the problem (and you don't mind solving it this way) make the wire run clean and hook it to a switch so you can turn it on when you wanna drive. this is not the way a dealership would fix it but its also not gonna cost you more than you probably have invested in your car. hope this helps