New info on power loss

[rschram]

My 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel dually has lost power even when I am not pulling my 5th wheel. It happened returning from a trip from Florida (not pulling 5th wheel and a light load) and seemed to happen overnight when I was stopped. First I noticed that it was a little hard starting. Then when I got it out on the highway I had lost acceleration. Could get it up to speed but it took awhile. I had a loss of power while pulling 8000 miles ago and they replaced the fuel filter and until now it has run fine. That was in May, 2002. I have put 26 gallons of diesel in since the problem started. Any ideas?

 

[willyslover]

more info needed. . stock ? . . what Mods. . smoking ?. . what color smoke. . blue,white,black... did ya check the boots that connect the intercooler [both top and bottom on both sides of motor]. . loose boots = no boost... . look at IAT sensor, if sooted up will give bad readings to ECM,

so you see need more info from you

oops your 12 valve... forget the ecm issue

 

[moparguy]

First thing I'd do is replace the fuel filter, not much money and it might fix things.



Check all the fittings on the boost hoses to insure they're tight.



Have some one hold the accelerator pedal on the floor and see if the linkage is actuating properly at the pump. If they just work the pedal a few times you'll see how things work.



How's the air filter minder, the little gauge on the air filter housing, if it's pulled down to the red (yellow?), time to change the air filter.



Many other possibilities, these are easy first checks.



Good luck, Ronnie



PS, if you have a exhaust brake, make sure it's not stuck in the closed or partially closed position.



When the trucks first shut down, you should be able to hear the turbo wind down for a few seconds back at the exhaust pipe. Have someone kill it while you stand by the rear bumper and listen. If it doesn't coast down, suspect a clogged cat or muffler. Easly fixed with a section of straight pipe.

 

[Bigramguy]

Moparguy covered most of it,lots of good info



What about the overflow valve or lift pump ?



Maybe a cracked or leaking fuel line ? Feel up under the intake for any bad or leaking lines. Tends to act up more after sitting a while.



Search the 12 Valve forum for lots of good info on the overflow valve and fuel line repairs.

 

[illflem]

From what you explained it sounds to me like you may have gotten a bad load of fuel that clogged your filter and will continue to do so until the tank is flushed. If the fuel was bad enough it may have also plugged your two other filters, the one in the fuel tank and the other in your fuel heater.