No Power..HELP!

[buttugly]

New member. . TDR is the best web site! Been watching since I got my truck Nov. 01. I have 3000 miles on vehicle. I pull a 4500 lb. enclosed snowmobile V nose trailer in Michigan. Acceleration to 70 mph is great, but when it shifts to overdrive I'm done! Up a slight incline it drops to 67-68 mph. 70-72 is top speed floored. No power! My 98 dodge 360 3:50 gaser will pull this trailer 80 mph plus, but it takes along time to get there!! I'm a novice to diesel and I can't believe this is normal. It went to dealer today and they said everything checked OK. 3rd gear 3200 rpm is 70 mph then shifts to overdrive at 1900 rpm 70-72 mph. Need help and advise. Oh. . truck empty will run 90 plus.

2001 SB clubcab 2500 4X4 auto loaded KN filter LT28575R16 tires

 

[NDRamrod]

Hello, I am kind of in your shoes. I used to have a 94 Chev 6. 5 turbo with 3. 73 and auto. I could pull a trailer better than 70 fairly easy. My feeling now owning the Dodge is that the overdrive is to much of a jump. I am sure that 4. 11 gears would get the engine rpm to were it can pull. I read that it would jump 300 rpm. that would put a guy at interstate speed 70-75 at about 2200 or so rpm rather than winding it out in drive at high rpm. Don't imagine I helped but I have the same set up I think so I know what you mean.

 

[Chad Sheets]

Something isnt right. GET GAGES! My truck unloaded in stock form will run 110 all day long on flat ground with no head winds and 70 degree weather.

You could have a boost leak... loose hoses is a problem that needs addressed on brand spankin new trucks after thing get hot/cold/hot/cold a few times. Get a boost gage and a fuel psi gage. You will thank me for it later, trust me.

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Always ready to help!
2000 2500 Red Sport quad cab, 4x4, K&N, DDI's, straight piped, boost, pyro and fuel pressure gages, Hot Power Edge, EZ box, mean looking set of 33. 5" tires, Snap On diamond tool box, Marine Corps window sticker, Semper Fi!

1972 340 Cuda'. Original tripple Black, 340 car w/air. Good clean car, super stock springs, Weld Prostars, shaker hood, strong 340 with a 727/4000 stahl, 4. 56... . Bombs away!
NRA Life Member
My Diesel Page

 

[Tom C]

Buttugly, I had the same problem. I tow 7500K and the truck would get up to 75 shift into OD then not hold speed just to slow down to 68 then downshift and start speeding back up again. Top speed with the pedal to the metal was 84MPH. I took the truck to the dealer and of course complained of no power at speed. They said the reprogramed the ECM. I have towed with it since with my normal 7500K and then again with approx. 10,000K and it now holds 75 in OD on level surfaces or small inclines. I used to have a manual shift dodge that could pull in OD at any speed even up near 100. But the one I have now is an auto transmission. alot of power gets wasted in the convertion from engine to rear wheels with the auto. plus the auto has a 0. 69 geared OD while the manual has I beleave a 0. 75. Take your truck in for some repraming. also check tdr archives for further reading on the subject.

Good luck.

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2001. 5 2500 4X4, QC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, SLT, SWB, Trailer, Camper & Snow plow Packages, White, 35k# Cody Hitch, 20' Gooseneck Lowboy flat-bed Trailer.

 

[LSMITH]

I agree with Chad. Something is wrong. From what you have said a boost hose would be the first suspect. With that trailer you should be able to hit 90 with no problem. A clogged fuel filter will act the same way, but with only 3K miles that wouldn't be the first thing I looked at. Take it back to the dealer or to another if you cannot find a boost hose loose.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S Everything but leather NRA Member

 

[buttugly]

OK... . so let's assume hoses and etc. are OK. What would be the next step be to get power? Open for suggestions!! I may have to bomb!

[This message has been edited by buttugly (edited 02-06-2001). ]