CaptainRich- It's a 1999 Dodge Ram1500 pickup V8 5.2 liter. It was bogging down all of sudden and would not shift gears it appeared. In the driveway, I floored it and it shut down. It started the next morning idling fine but still no power - would not get over 15 mph. Plugged in an OBDII and returned codes for misfire on 4 and 6 cylinders. Replaced plugs, wires, dist. cap and rotor, verified spark and coil. Added 5 gal. of gas to move needle to 3/8 - half mark on gauge. Verifeid fuel pump is turning on but can't check fuel pressure without engine running. Charged battery to verify full charge. It will turn over but will not start. After sitting for 4 or 5 days I can get it to crank for a second and then it will die, just going back to turning over and trying hard to start. Any help is greatly appreciated.

First start with the fuel pump do you hear it when you switch the key on? If not try this kick the gas tank that might jar something loose (if you don't hear it check the fuse for the pump) if its OK replace the pump. If you kick it and it comes on get a pump. Also depends on the miles 5.2 were noted for the belly pan gasket on the intake to go bad it it will run like crap , no power. Paul

I have heard that if the fuel pump is going/has gone bad, you would be able to smell gas in the oil. Easy enough to do by pulling the dipstick. If so you need to change the oil & oil filter.
When the codes read misfire on certain cyclinders and you have replaced everything else, it indicates a possible fuel injector problem.
One of my friends couldn't start her car and we found out her fuel filter was (badly) clogged up. The most simple thing turned out to be the problem.