1987 Dodge RAM 50

Submodel: SPORT | Engine Type: L4 | Liters: 2.6

Fuel Delivery: CARB | Fuel: GAS

Accelerator Cable

1.

Warm the engine up completely and make certain the high idle cam is not engaged.

2.

Check the action of the accelerator pedal. There should be little to no free-play between the normal "at rest" position and the point that engine speed begins to increase. Correct
free-play measurement is 00.8 in. (020mm).

3.

If there is excessive free-play, loosen the cable adjusting nuts located on the cable mount on the carburetor. With both nuts loosened, the cable may be adjusted to remove slack.
Do not adjust the cable beyond the point of no free-play; the engine idle speed will be changed.

Float Level

1.

Remove the top of the carburetor and remove the gasket. The carburetor does not need to be removed for this procedure. Follow the directions within the carburetor overhaul
procedure later in this section.

Fig. 1: Exploded view of the accelerator pedal, cable and

associated components

Fig. 2: The bracket retaining the accelerator cable is

equipped with an adjustment slot

Fig. 3: Use a universal float level gauge to inspect the

distance from the bottom of the float to the surface of the float

chamber cover

Fig. 4: Sets of shims are available for adjusting float height

Fig. 5: The shims fit under the seat of the needle valve

2.

Hold the carburetor top and float upside down. Use a float gauge or depth gauge to measure the distance from the bottom of the float (now the top, since it's upside down) to the
inside of the carburetor top. The correct distance is 0.760.84 in. (1921mm).

3.

If the dimension is not correct, the shim below the needle seat must be changed. Use a thicker shim to increase the measurement (or lower the float level) or a thinner shim to
decrease the measurement (raise the float level).

4.

The shim kit contains 3 shims: 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm. The float measurement will change by 3 times the measurement of the shim installed or removed. Shims may be
combined as necessary. Some arithmetic after measuring should provide the correct shim thickness on the first try.

5.

To replace the shim, remove the float pin and the float. Remove the needle valve.

6.

Use a pair of pliers to gently unscrew the seat at its widest point. Take great care not to damage the seat or the surrounding metal.

7.

Slip the shim(s) over the narrow portion of the seat and then reinstall the seat. Gently tighten it without damage.

8.

Reassemble the needle valve and float.

9.

Re-measure the float height and replace the shim(s) if necessary to get the correct height.

10.

Reinstall the carburetor top.

Throttle Opener
The 197982 models do not have any adjustments possible.

198387 MODELS

1.

Disconnect the vacuum hose running to the throttle opener port.

2.

Connect a hand vacuum pump to the nipple of the throttle opener. Install a tachometer to read engine speed. Make certain the idle speed for the engine is set correctly.

3.

Run the engine at curb idle (fully warm). Apply 11.8 in. Hg (39.8 kPa) with the hand pump; idle speed should increase to 900950 rpm. If the idle does not increase, replace the
dashpot/throttle opener assembly.
A.

Remove the throttle return spring from the throttle lever.

4.

B.

Disconnect the throttle opener rod from the free lever.

C.

Remove the two attaching screws and remove the throttle opener/dashpot assembly.

D.

Install the new unit, connect the rod and install the spring.

Reconnect the vacuum hose to the nipple. Start the engine, run it at curb idle and turn the air conditioning on. Idle speed should increase to 900950 rpm.
Fig. 6: The location of the throttle opener adjusting screw. Do
not adjust SAS 1 or 3

Fig. 7: Adjusting the throttle opener

Fig. 8: The location of the throttle opener setting screw

5.

If the throttle opener needs adjustment, do so by turning the screw on the throttle opener/dashpot assembly. Don't turn any other screws to adjust the throttle opener; the curb idle
or other important settings may be affected.

198889 MODELS

1.

To inspect the solenoid, identify the vacuum control solenoid on the firewall. Label and carefully remove the two vacuum hoses running to the unit.

2.

Disconnect the electrical connector from the solenoid.

3.

Connect a hand vacuum pump to the solenoid port which held the vacuum hose with the white stripe.

4.

Using jumper wires, connect battery voltage to one terminal of the solenoid and connect the other terminal to a good ground.

5.

With battery voltage applied to the solenoid, draw vacuum with the hand pump. Use the chart to check the properties of the valve with proper combinations of vacuum and
electricity applied or removed.

6.

Remove the 12 volt jumpers. Use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance of the solenoid. Resistance should be 4046 ohms at 68F (20C).
Fig. 9: Attach a hand vacuum pump to the nipple of the
where stripped vacuum hose was connected

Fig. 10: Connect battery voltage to one terminal of the

solenoid and the other to ground

Fig. 11: The valve should operate as indicated

Fig. 12: Use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance of the

solenoid

Fig. 13: The throttle opener adjusting screw is located on the

side of the carburetor

7.

If the solenoid does not behave correctly under ALL test conditions, it must be replaced.

8.

Start the engine.

9.

Set a tachometer per manufactures instructions.

10.

Turn on the air conditioner switch.

11.

Check the engine speed during this operation. Speed should be 850950 rpm. If the engine speed is out of specification, adjust using the throttle opener adjusting screw.

NOTE: The solenoid valve will open and the intake manifold vacuum will act on the throttle opener to fully activate it.