[wlp817]

I have a 98 Dakota with the 3.9 6 cylinder. Recently it started misfiring and I got a code for misfire on cylinder 5. I replaced the rotor, distributor cap, plugs, and plug wires. While I was tightening the cap down I noticed it was able to turn some. The piece that the cap screws to will turn about a quarter of a turn and I don't know why. I had to get a buddy to try and start it while I turned the cap to get it to fire up. It runs fine, but I don't think it should be able to move like this. Does anyone know why this is not fastened down or what I am missing here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JVTK]

Sounds like the distributor hold down bolt is loose - single bolt at the base of the distributor where it goes into the block. Your timing will need to be set and bolt tightened down.