Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 98' with auto transmission loosing power

[TWilhelm]

I purchased my 98' turbo diesel about 1 year ago with 168,000 existing miles on the odometer and i immediately put it to work as my firewood hauling truck. The first few times out before leaving town i noticed that the truck is shifting extremely hard(auto transmission) into 2nd gear. On my last outing for wood gathering while climbing some pretty steep paved roads with no load in the bed, the truck began decellerating mid-hill from 60mph to 35mph, then finally dying completely before cresting the hill. During this i noticed the rpm's drop off completely but did not see any smoke coming out of the tail-pipe. Is this an indication of my torque converter or other transmission components "giving up the ghost", or do i need to look into the fuel system for some answers? Im afraid i dont know where to start and dont just want to start replacing parts unnessecarily. If anyone can help it would greatly appreciated.

 

[SDrake]

Torque converter dying would be more like a runaway engine until you let off the go pedal. You must have a fuel problem. There are things that can go on in the transmission that would bog the engine but you would feel the engine putting up a good fight.

 

[ewcmr2]

How long of a hill and how much fuel in the tank?

 

[HerbW]

Is your truck a 12 or a 24 valve engine? I feel if your engine died, you ran out of fuel like others here had stated. The two engines have different fuel systems and troubleshooting plans. Look at the top of your engine if not sure, it's printed there or on the doors. The 98's came with both types of engines. First of the year were installed with 12 valve engines and then came the electronic 24 valvers with a new system. Tell us what you have. Create yourself a "signature" here that's posted on all your threads. You'll see mine below for an idea. Good luck, Herb

 

[TWilhelm]

The Hill was about 1/2 mile long and pretty steep, the truck was full to the brim with diesel i always fill up before venturing out into the New Mexico wilderness.

 

[TWilhelm]

Thanks HerbW, for the reply, the truck is an 12 valve and it was absolutely full of fuel. hearing this might you suspect fuel injectors or the fuel pump?

 

[ewcmr2]

The Hill was about 1/2 mile long and pretty steep, the truck was full to the brim with diesel i always fill up before venturing out into the New Mexico wilderness.

Bummer, if it was a long steep hill and you were low on fuel it could have been as simple too fix as filling the tank.

 

[DPadgett]

Have you been able to get the truck started again or is it just dead now and wont start? IF it wont start again I would say probably the factory lift pump. I have an early 98 as well that I purchased with 144k back in 2006. About a year ago with around approximately 180k I started it and drove it home from work and pulled in the driveway, left it idling, and while unloading my gear the truck started to sputter and miss and then quickly died. Had it towed and it was the factory lift pump. Had it replaced with FASS 90gph adjustable fuel pump w/lifetime warranty and couldnt be happier. Just my 2 cents.