Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Truck Sputter

[broncojohn]

My truck seems to have started sputtering, making the truck bog down a little. It only occurs when I take a 90* turn to the left from a dead stand still (mostly at stop lights). I can look back right after it sputters and see the truck put out a little puff of white smoke. The sputtering lasts for maybe a second and clears up and runs fine. Truck throws no codes. Truck has 73,108 miles. Any ideas? Thanks.





John

 

[Graphic man]

are you running a fuel pressure gage?



Scott

 

[broncojohn]

I have an autometer sitting in the box in the cab of my truck. I just haven't had any time to install it lately. I guess it would be a good time to get it in.

 

[johncameron]

When I put mine in I couldn't get the truck started. It turned out to be a dead LP and the dealer changed it under warrenty. 3 LP's later my warrenty was up so I put in a FASS.



I hope your truck will start after the install!

 

[broncojohn]

Thats weird, did the lift pump run normal before you put the fuel pressure gauge in? Did it die right after the gauge was installed? thanks.

 

[johncameron]

No, it was dead before the install and once I cracked the banjo bolt and let air into the system the VP lost prime. From what I've read the VP will draw fuel from the tank by itself but that will eventually cause damage and destroy itself. I guess I was lucky, that VP lasted another 3. 5 years before it took a dump!



John

 

[RPLummer]

John,

Before you do ANYTHING... ... . CHANGE YOUR FUEL FILTER!!!!! I just had the nearly identical problem. Truck was sluggish for last 3-4 weeks, passed it off as ULSD characteristic as Flying J switched over about mid Oct. Last night, leaving work I started it up, put it in drive, went 2-3 feet and the thing cut off- then went on like nothing happened. On the phone with local Dodge dealer diesel tech (Kirkwood Dodge, DE. that was VERY helpful over the phone!!), my brother-in-law, and here on TDR, searching for answers, consensus was the fuel filter. I figured, just wasting my time, but what the heck, 20 bucks beats the alternative. Pulled it out, it was dark as night!!! Started the truck, I drove it like I stole it!!! No hesitation, no miss, cough, gag, snort, p*ss, moan, NOTHING!!! So, with the help of family, a stranger, and alot of friends here, I'm back on the road. I'm going to change the filter again in 2 months just to see what it looks like. Bobby Plummer

 

[broncojohn]

Yeah thats good advice, crossed my mine once or twice. The thing is though I changed it less then 10k miles ago. I might venture around and pull it out to see what it looks like, then change it. Thanks.