Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) seem to have lost power

[RMarx]

When I first got my truck about 3 months ago, the thing I was most impressed with was the power it had at freeway speeds. Doing like 70-75mph I could just give it another inch of throttle and it would just bolt down the road to 85 or 90 in nothing flat.



Lately though it seems real sluggish, I can floor it and it takes like 5 seconds to gain 5mph with pretty much no load. I've made 2 changes in the last few weeks:

1. added a commercial type(very non-aerodynamic) topper that weighs probably 250lbs. and maybe 500lbs worth of tools in the bed. I know this weight wouldn't make a difference but could the drag from the topper be causing a seeming lack of power? If so, my truck would have a hell of a time on the highway pulling something big The topper is only about 5 inches taller than the cab of the truck.

2. changed fuel filter and like a moron didn't drain fuel before inserting new filter (cummins' pictograms on filter box omit this step). So I assume I sent about a pint of unfiltered fuel through the pump/injectors. Could this have degraded the flow of the injectors or pump?



The truck accelerates about the same as always from a stop. I don't have any error codes.



Thanks for the help!

 

[pskaar]

map sensor?

It could be the map sensor is giving you fits. Tells the truck there is not enough air or fuel viva versa and so it isnot giving the motor any more go. Mine had a similar problem at 2500 rpm. Dealer changed the map sensor and it is fine. It should be covered on the 100,000 mile motor warranty.



Hope this may help.

Preston Skaar

 

[RMarx]

Had dealer look at truck Thursday to try to solve power prob and poor mpg.

Their findings:

"performed diagnostics, found no codes in system, and roadtested vehicle, could not duplicate any power loss, at 72 mph transmission will not downshift, this is normal"

"could not find any problem causing poor fuel economy, no codes in system"

So I guess if there are no codes there are no problems?

My last tank I got 14. 7mpg. Truck still won't get out of its own way going up hill at 70+.

I guess I'll chock it up to the topper being an incredibly efficient parachute!! it does accelerate well at lower speeds still.

Time to get the EZ huh?