Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) engine power lost while towing

[MHowell]

99 2500 4x4..... I was towing a 5000-5500lb boat this weekend up and down some pretty good size hills and valleys. I noticed on two occasions that my engine seemed to lose significant power all of a sudden. after a few seconds, everything returned to normal. When power was deminished, the turbo seemed to be acting normal (ie staying wrapped up, but not going higher or lower). I am pretty sure that both instances occured while climbing good size hills. My question is, what could have caused this? Is there some sort of over-heating governor protection on my truck that I don't know about? Is my lift pump starting to fail? Please help if you can. Thanks guys!

 

[Reb.B]

if you pressed the throttle and it felt like you had nothing, and then you let off for a second and it comes back, its your injection pump. 100% sure. It will just get worse and worse until it will drive you crazy. Most likely it was caused by low fuel pressure. If you are going to keep this truck then get a rebuilt pump and go with a FASS pump and don't worry about it again. If you are cheap and stick another stock lift pump or keep yours it will bite you in the butt again.

 

[**ICEMAN**]

could also have been the fan clutch engaging when you were pulling it hard on the hills.

i've read where the clutch engaged can rob your engine of 40 hp which you definately would have felt.

just a thought