Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Buckin' and Jumpin'

[jschnacke]

Here's one I have never seen before. My 2002 is "bucking and missing" like a '63 Ford running on 3 cylinders. This is really weird since it only happens when I have my Lance camper loaded (about 4300 lbs) and under load. EGT's are around 800 to 900, boost around 12 to 15, usually going uphill or accelerating. The truck does not do this when unloaded. It primarily happens in 5th or 6th gear (NO I am not lugging the engine, it's in the power band). I have the Banks Power Pack (installed over 3 years ago) and have never had this problem in the past. I have noticed some power loss in higher gear and about 2mpg fuel economy loss on my last camping trip.



This may be the problem, but I need you guys' advice. Due to recent back surgeries I am still on the same tank of fuel since last June. The truck has been driven only 75 miles since the last fueling in June 2005. I have no indication of water in the fuel and have had the fuel filter changed last year. Could this problem be related to old fuel, or am I looking at a lift pump failure? My local Cummins dealer thinks it's fuel related and not component related - give me your best guess.



My truck is a 2002 Ram 3500 DRW 4X4, 6 speed manual, Cummins HO, Banks Power Pack and Banks Exhaust Brake. Truck only has 13,000 miles on it (I have a "take home" car, so it doesn't get driven much).



Any ideas would be appreciated - I think all the talk about lift pumps and $2000. 00 VP44's has me paranoid.

 

[Bob Wagner]

cycle the key on and off three times and read the codes in the odometer

 

[jschnacke]

I get "P PCU". I assume that means Power Control Unit? After that it says "done".

 

[RICH S]

jschnacke

I was looking at this because I have the same problem. My 2001 automatic with the same Banks set up as you except I added the Smart lock, came up with the same code. We pull a 5th wheel and it's been to the shop several times and finally peplaced the APPS. That seemed to fix the problem but on the return from our second long trip, after getting stuck in traffic, the trouble came right back. What was the final outcome that fixed your trouble?

 

[jschnacke]

I haven't fixed the problem yet - still have a half tank of the old stale fuel in it. I'm going to run that out and then install a new filter and a fuel pressure gauge and see if that corrects the problem. I drained some fuel off and it was cloudy but no water. I think the fuel is just very very old. I bought this truck in October 2001 and only have 13000 miles on it - does that tell you how much it get driven? At that rate the body will rust off before the engine gets broken in. What is the APPS?

 

[DavidC]

You need to test fuel pressure from the lift pump. Do you have a fueling box installed?.



Dave

 

[RICH S]

APPS is the Accellerator Pedal Position Sensor.



Dave

I have a FASS system putting about 20 to 25 psi with a pressure guage to monitor it.

Rich

 

[DavidC]

The MAP sensor is known to give some weird problems and not throwing a code. The only way I know of testing it is with monitoring software on a laptop. No other test that I can recall other than replacement. You could also try cleaning the IAT sensor and there are some value tests involving an ohmmeter and a freezer. I think I would start by checking every ground you can find first though. Maybe someone else will have some ideas.



Dave

 

[jschnacke]

Again showing my stupidity - what is a fueling box?

 

[DavidC]

Again showing my stupidity - what is a fueling box?

Apparently you do not have one. A fueling box is a seperate add on either adjustable or fixed that basically changes the timing of the VP44 to add more fuel which then equals more HP and Torque.



Dave

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

Any updates on your problem?



Thanks,

Dan

 

[Steve Campbell]

Does your pickup have a "carrier bearing" in the middle of the driveline? Give it a good tug and see how much slack there is in the rubber mounting grommet. I have heard other complain of symptoms like yours and their grommet was too flexible.



Just a thought Steve

 

[WestTN]

With the fuel being very old and cloudy it is very likely you have algae growing in it. Get a good biocide and treat it. Then run it low of fuel, fill up and re-treat with the biocide.



Good luck!

 

[jschnacke]

I have gone through 2 tanks of "clean" fuel with 2 bottles of Stanadyne (enough for 60 gallons each) and the problem has disappeared. Just old stale fuel I guess - at least nothing mechanical. Just finished a 2000 mile trip with the 4300lb. Lance on board with no problems - even with snow in Michigan in October!!