Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Chugging/Sputtering

[Jessica Anderson]

Bought a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 24 valve in October. Only had 136,000 miles. Ran great, weather got cold (used winterized fuel) and she isn’t running so hot. Will start and idle fine. Let it run 15 minutes before driving. Got onto the highway and went to accelerate and she started to chug and sputter and would not accelerate. Thought maybe it was super cold so waited until after work to do research on the issue. Left work and the same thing. Noticed white smoke and smelled horrible. Not sweet like coolant, but not normal diesel smell. Changed the fuel filter and that seemed to work. Didn’t sputter or chug on the way home. Next morning started it like normal, started great and idled fine. Left for work after it ran for 15 minutes and again chugging/sputtering and would not accelerate. Later added an additional winterizer and diesel 911 in case there was water in the tank. Drove it around and it stopped chugging/sputtering. Ordered a new fuel pump module and did an oil change and another new fuel filter. Fresh fuel and that tank no issues. 2nd tank and now it’s starting to chug/sputter again but will accelerate out of it. Next step?

 

[JR]

When you say fuel pump module, are you referencing the lift pump? (Either mounted on the back of the engine or possibly in the tank if a retrofit was done)

Is your check engine light on?

What you describe does sound like it could be fuel related, but the fact it return repeatedly is suspect unless your running old fuel. How cold are the temps you are in?

 

[DavidC]

What does the fuel filter look like ?. If by chance you have the dreaded algae in the tank it will plug up fast.

 

[Jessica Anderson]

When you say fuel pump module, are you referencing the lift pump? (Either mounted on the back of the engine or possibly in the tank if a retrofit was done)

Is your check engine light on?

What you describe does sound like it could be fuel related, but the fact it return repeatedly is suspect unless your running old fuel. How cold are the temps you are in?

No lights on at all. The pump was in the tank. We drained it tank cleaned IT, dried it and drained all lines and got new winterized fuel and did an additional additive. Temps are around 5-15 degrees in the mornings. Only started it when temps drop below 20 or so.

 

[Jessica Anderson]

What does the fuel filter look like ?. If by chance you have the dreaded algae in the tank it will plug up fast.

First try the fuel filter was nasty and changed it. When we took the tank out cleaned it and drained all lines we did another new filter and new fuel.

 

[DavidC]

You really need a fuel pressure gauge, it is critical. In the mean time of something permanent you may look for a mechanical gauge locally preferably with a hose long enough to reach from the filter housing to the windshield. I believe it's a 1/8 fitting on the filter housing, there are 2 brass fittings on the filter housing, 1 is post the other is pre filter. The length will give enough to tape to the windshield if driving is needed for diagnosis. You may see a problem at idle. Do you have the stock lift pump on the engine like JR asked ?

 

[DavidC]

If you have the stock tank module in the tank your problem may be there as there are two strainers in that module. A pressure gauge will help verify good/bad.