Loss of Power at Highway Speeds

[DieselDan1]

Looking for some help here. I have experienced on a few different times what I would describe as a loss of power. The following best describes the conditions:



Traveling at a steady speed (between 60 and 70 mph).

The loss was intermittent and if I changed the position of the go pedal

then it would go away. It would also go away on its own. Duration was

at one to two seconds at most.

If I used the cruise control I did not appear to happen.

The only thing I noticed was the seat of the pants feel. Nothing as far

as engine noise or rpm changes. It was a very slight change.

It appears to only occur after about an hour of extended driving as I do

not notice it on my drive to work(25 minute drive).



I discussed this with my service department and they said bring it in. They indicated that they could not duplicate the problem. No kidding, did you drive the truck for more then an hour? which I discussed with them when I was describing the problem. They thought it might be the position switch for the go pedal but would not do anything tell they could experience the problem themselves.



Looking to see if any of you had any ideas. Thank you in advance.

 

[DPKetchum]

First I'd make sure fuel filter is fresh and a good water removing additive is used. May be a shot in the dark but I've had sorat the same thing in years past after a hour long dry in real freezing temp. Ice trying to form in fuel lines etc. I liked it when things had CLEAR filter bowls. You could see it!

 

[Prairie Dog]

I second the fuel filter idea. Mine clogged up with very few miles on it.

 

[DieselDan1]

Thanks DP, here's some more information.



Fuel filter was replaced recently. I had additive in the tank each time it happened. Outside temps were mid 20's. Fuel was purchased from same location that I always buy from, i. e. truck stop that moves alot of fuel. I blended #1 and #2 myself so I would think that fuel should not have been an issue, but what do I know

 

[DPKetchum]

I don't mean a FUEL issue but a mositure issue and ice crystal issue. I think to much is put into where fuel is bought. I've bought wherever a lot all my life/gas and diesel. Not the junk places but normal well used stantions. Never a problem. But I also drain my filter housing a little every tank of fuel if its shut down(their lot)I have been poo pooed about this. But diesel has mositure in it. Nature of the fuel. My New Holland tractor has a clear site bowl. After some hours its always got a little water in the bottom of the bowl. It states to keep it topped off fuel wise to keep moisture down. This issue may not even BE the problem you have. But I'd drain it a few times and put a good slug of additive in it and see what happens. Cheap/not much hassel and easy. I drain a few ounces out just about every fill up.

 

[DieselDan1]

I will start making it a habit to drain off some every so often. We will have to see how it works out. I have a tendency to run the tank down pretty low so you may be on to something there.



Thanks for the information. The only thing that confuses me on the fuel or icing is why does it run fine with the cruise on?

 

[dtboyer]

May be the fuel filter

Last saturday I decided to take "The Duke" for a ride in our snow storm. Outside temp was -2, but he fired right up after the first heating cycle. Ran fine for the first ten miles- then started to cough and sputter. Seemed like it was starved for fuel. Got to the point where it wouldn't run at all. I didn't suspect the the fuel was jelled since I had added enough anti-jell to treat 100 gallons. Not knowing what else to do (except call for a tow), I changed the fuel filter (Thank goodness I had a spare). This fixed the problem. The filter had been replaced 3000 miles earlier. I wouldn't have believed that the filter needed to be replaced so quickly, but it does appear that it was the root cause of my problem. Time to buy a new socket (1 1/8", 1 1/16" - I forget) and 2 extra filters and carry them with me.



Just my 2 cents



dtb

 

[JEsterline]

I have had a similar problem with my 03. One day it decided to loose power for a moment then go again. It did this a couple of times and then quit all together. I thought too that maybe I had a fuel issue again, so I changed the filter, and still no go. Turned out, (thanks to a call to Kent at Schide Diesel in Lafayette) it was my throttle control needed replaced. A little expensive but a quick fix. Just my two cent experience.

 

[DPKetchum]

Moisture may not be a issue. Maybe something in the TPS(throttle switch)or???

 

[jmtandem]

slight power loss for a second

My '01 did the same thing once after driving about four hours. It has not done it since but with 80 degree outside temps it was not a water/ice/moisture issue. After it happened I changed the fuel filter that had about 10,000 miles on it and the problem has not returned. However, I don't think it was a fuel filter problem as I was nowhere near using full power. Interestingly, I was driving over some rough frost heaves pavement on California SR 88 between Stockton, CA and Carson City, NV when it happened. It might have been my foot slipping off the pedal, but I don't think so. However, it has not happened again since and that was 10,000 miles ago. So go figure?