1989 dodge ram 50 2.0 engine

Hi Del:
Sounds like you're well on the way to solving this.
There is a fuel delivery problem to deal with.
Either:
- the carb is gummed up,
- the filter is plugged, or
- the fuel pump is on vacation.

With the top of the carb exposed, look into the barrel(s) and pump the throttle linkage. The accelerator pump will squirt gas that you should be able to see. If there is gas, that should mean that the fuel pump is working, and the problem will possibly be blocked carb jets. A carb cleaning would be in order.

No gas?
- Check the fuel filter
- Check fuel pump

My guess from personal experience would be the fuel pump.

The only thing to do is to take your truck to a service shop.

I have a 1989 Dodge Ram 50 and the fuel filter is located on frame under rear by gas tack next to fill spout .Tight spot hard to get to .Also another filter on top of fuel tank.Dont know why two filters so close together.I only changed one but plan on changing other soon.

There are 2 fuel filters on the Ram 50's. One bolted to the frame under the bed/box (near the rear tire) and one in the engine compartment on the fuel line going to the fuel pump.
Although, it sounds like the choke isn't functioning properly. Once the truck has reached operating temperature remove the air filter and check to see if the choke is completely open. If that is functioning correctly i would check the timing. Which should be at 7* BTDC, although from personal experience with my own ram 50 (an '84 with a modified 2.6) I've found they run much better with the timing set to 9* BTDC.
As the 2.6's get higher mileage, the timing chain stretches and the guides (a poly/plastic guide glued to an aluminum bar) wear and allow slack in the timing chain, throwing the original settings out of wack. You can compensate for it by adjusting the timing, but in the long run (if it fixes the problem) i'd recommend installing a new chain & guides.

If you can spray carb cleaner in the carb then you have either a fuel supply problem or fuel delivery problem. Check your fuel pressure and make sure it is in spec. Then check the spray in the carb spray.

If its the same as my 1989 dodge ram 50 it sits on the engine block by the carburator

try a new accelerator pump in the carb,a reiuld may be the best bet.Check for vacum leaks first.

If you drive it very little what I would recommend is to install an electric fuel pump. That way after its been sitting all you have to do is turn the key on and the pump will fill the carb.

the fuel pump is behind the carb look between the carb and the valve cover and you should see it.

clean out the carb and fit an inline fuel filter between the pump and the carb .