Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Just bought a 97 NO POWER

[robbiesworld]

Hi guys, I just picked up a 97 with 218k miles It has good power for the first 1/4 throttle but after that its a total pig. I took the fuel plate out to see if it made a differance. It is still slow. The throttle cable is getting a full stroke. It has stock exhaust with the big Cat and muffler. It is an automatic and revs up to 3200 rpm in neutral



Anyone have any ideas what it might be?

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[Grumpy John 4x4]

power loss

Had my throttle linkage replaced on warrenty 13 years later, it was a recall. Also how many-miles on the truck? Might need to replace the overflow valve, everyone gets them on ebay for 29. 95 new Bosch guys out of Ga and has a ton of them!

 

[charlessmith]

You just got this truck. Is there any chance there is a big dent in the exhaust system someplace? This sounds sort of like restricted exhaust.



You might put a boost gauge on it and see what you have.

 

[GaryOwen]

Any smoke? Sounds like it could be a fuel or air restriction. Check fuel bowl screen, filter, hoses (could be sucking air), maybe pickup screen in fuel tank. Check air supply (filter, post turbo hoses, intercooler).

 

[robbiesworld]

No smoke at all. Do the stock cats get clogged up? where is the "fuel bowl screen"? Good thought I will check that stuff

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I believe that they started putting Cats on 2004 engines. You should not have a Cat on that engine. You most likely have 3:54 gears along with those big tires will bog you down. a 97 has about 160 hp(?)

 

[QWaller]

Start with filter/screen etc. I don't now how cataltic it is but you do have some sort of diesel gas catcher thingy on that year as DID mine. I don' think it actually does much. Probably satisfied some law at the time?

 

[ttbird]

I believe that they started putting Cats on 2004 engines. You should not have a Cat on that engine. You most likely have 3:54 gears along with those big tires will bog you down. a 97 has about 160 hp(?)

94 and 95 autos had 160 hp pumps. Your 97 should have a 215 hp pump. I agree about the tires, though. There's still alot of things to check out. And yes the cats can clog up, but not that often. Take the cat off and see if it runs better. I would just gut the inside of the cat and put it back on, so you'll pass a visual inspection, if needed. Truck will run better and you should gain a mph or two. My 95 has a cat and I think all years had them.

 

[GaryOwen]

Fuel screen cleaning info



Fuel Pre-Filter Cleaning on Ram/Cummins

 

[mickeyblueyes]

What do you mean all years had Cats?? My 03 has no cat

 

[fest3er]

Hi guys, I just picked up a 97 with 218k miles It has good power for the first 1/4 throttle but after that its a total pig. I took the fuel plate out to see if it made a differance. It is still slow. The throttle cable is getting a full stroke. It has stock exhaust with the big Cat and muffler. It is an automatic and revs up to 3200 rpm in neutral



Anyone have any ideas what it might be?

I'll bet you are seeing it give good power up to 8-12 PSI boost; then it falls down.



Could be fuel starvation, in that there is enough fuel to provide significant power for a few moments, then the power disappears when the fuel disappears.



Could be air starvation. The insides of the various air hoses might give you a clue. The filter box and air inlet might give you a clue.



Since it's easier to check the air system, start there. Use a shop vac to verify there aren't any obvious restrictions in the system anywhere. It is not unusual to find mouse and vole nests inside cozy air/filter boxes.



Next check the fuel filter. A plugged filter can cause exactly what you are seeing. And check the pre-screener just in case it's plugged.



Failing that, check the lift pump pressure; it might not be flowing enough fuel or maintaining enough pressure.

 

[ttbird]

If cat started in 94 and my 95 had one and I know of many 97's with cats, then someone has deleted your on your 03. Dodge would not suddenly start not using cats after incorporating them into their exhaust systems when the federal goverment mandated their use. Just my . 02 cents.

 

[CurtLee]

There were cats on the 94. 5 to 98 12 valves. They came off with the 24 valve in 98 and stayed off until 04. 5 with new emission standards. Thats one of the differences between the 305hp and 325hp motor in 04.



Do you know if the lift pump is the orginal? Thats something else to check while your at it.

 

[MLee]

As stated 94-98 12valves had a cat. correct me--98. 5 up 24 valves did not because of the electronic fuel management systems. They had a muffler and a resignator. 2004. 5 became the first nation wide engine that meet all states approval for clean engine emissions, hence the new emissions in 07 and new compliance to 2010 compliance and the soot burner. I believe thats how it went. But don't beat me up.

Good suggestion the check the cat and muffler for internal problems. Could also be the pump cover is slid to the rear. If it is, slide it to the front.

Also check info on the dowel pin has it been tabed??????????????????????????

 

[MLee]

looks like I sat on my hands to long

 

[Dave M]

I bought my 97 4x4 5spd (its a 215 hp p7100) about 5 years ago from Texas and it used to have a Cat. I removed it and put MBRP 4 in exhaust. I had a lack of power and after putting on a boost gauge I found my lack of power was low boost. The lower passenger side intercooler boot was rubbing against the inner fender/body lip and rubbed a 3 inch slit in it. I did not see it visually until I removed it and that fixed my low power.



It had 7 psi boost and after replacing all the intercooler boots I got 28 psi boost max. It was a whole different truck after that. There are many good ideas on your low power problem. I'd check your intercooler boots and replace the fuel filter and fuel return valve.



Good luck,

dave

 

[Bob4x4]

I believe that they started putting Cats on 2004 engines. You should not have a Cat on that engine. You most likely have 3:54 gears along with those big tires will bog you down. a 97 has about 160 hp(?)

94-98 california 12 valves all had cats... ... ... ... ... 97 cal auto has 180hp

 

[robbiesworld]

Fuel screen cleaning info



Fuel Pre-Filter Cleaning on Ram/Cummins

I have driven four 12 valves well over 250K miles combuned and NEVER had a clue this even existed!



Is there a good place online to buy the cummins/fleetguard 3845400-s parts?

 

[CurtLee]

looks like I sat on my hands to long

Only 14 minutes or so worth

 

[QWaller]

Back in 94, some of the very early 94s came without a cat, My dad blindly ordered the first of the new ram back then and it did not have a cat on it. We had the first one in the area at the time. I remember it was an exciting time due to the big rig look. 15 years has past. Boy