Engine has no power going up hills?

1998 DODGE RAM
170,000 MILES
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DANO84
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The truck runs fine on a flat surface but I can barely get it up to 40mph on a hill. I've done everything I can think of to boost performance including changing the oil, Sea Foam-ing the engine, changing the air filter, trying lots of fuel additives and putting in expensive Bosch spark plugs but nothing seems to work. Please help. It is a V6, 5 speed manual. Thanks.
Jan 20, 2012 at 9:58 PM
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PROAUTOTECH
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it's most likely a clogged catalytic converter, do you have an engine light or any stored codes?

This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Please run down this guide and report back.
Jan 20, 2012 at 10:11 PM
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DANO84
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There is no engine lights on and I don't know anything about codes. Is a clogged catalytic converter something I can try and fix on my own? I'm not a mechanic but I'm pretty handy and enjoy working on my truck. And I'm not too keen on paying alot to have a pro fix a truck I just bought for $2K:)
Jan 20, 2012 at 10:19 PM
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PROAUTOTECH
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go to autozone or advance and have it scanned for codes for free. Let me know.
Jan 20, 2012 at 10:39 PM
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DANO84
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I will do that. Thanks.
Jan 21, 2012 at 1:59 AM
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DANO84
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I took the truck to Autozone and they checked for codes but their were none.
Jan 24, 2012 at 4:55 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Yes, you can unbolt the y-pipe from the manifolds and take it for a quick test drive. It'll be loud, but it's the easiest way to check it.

This guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

let us know what you find
Jan 27, 2012 at 7:53 AM
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DANO84
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So I got under the truck and disconnected the exhaust from the catalytic converter. (There was no y-pipe. Just 1 pipe coming off either side of the manifold and going into the cat separately. So 2 pipes welded into the catalytic converter.) Then I hit the highway and tried it out on some steep exit ramps at high speed. It was loud but I definitely noticed an increase in power going uphill. So I guess a clogged catalytic converter was the problem, as you suspected. What now? I'm pretty sure it's illegal to drive around with no exhaust system and the cat is welded into the exhaust. I don't have the equipment or the expertise to weld on a new catalytic converter so does this mean I have to take it to a repair shop and get a new one installed? Thanks for the advice.
Jan 28, 2012 at 6:56 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Hook it back up. Then go to a parts store and buy the replacement converter and three pipe clamps of the proper size. Cut the cat out with a hacksaw or sawzall (metal blade) and slide the parts together. You may need to ask the parts store to 'swaydge' the cat openings (expand them a little) so the exhaust pipes fit into them.

This guide will help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

Then take the old cat to a recycler. You can get as much as $20-$40 for it because of what it's made of.
Jan 28, 2012 at 10:26 PM
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DANO84
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Thanks alot! the cat fixed it
Jan 28, 2012 at 10:42 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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My pleasure.
Jan 29, 2012 at 12:07 AM
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DODGEBALL
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truck runs great on nice days but when it rains pretty good all of a sudden the truck loses power. the engine doesnt shut off but you can push the gas pedal to the floor and it just coasts like youre in neutral. power comes and goes sputtering.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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CASPAR78
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When is the last time you had a tune up?My 1996 did the exact same thing and it ran so good on nice days i thought it did not need a tune up but it did and cured the problem with air filter cap and rotor plug wires and plugs.By the way the bosch platinum 4 plugs are awsome and worth every penny.Fuel filter and oil change is also good idea at this time.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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DODGEBALL
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i did a tune up3 months ago ,new wires,rotor,cap,plugs. it rained a few times since and it still acted up. I got to talk to a guy yesterday who told me that more than likely i needed a new crank sensor. he said it had a insulator on it that will eventually crack over time and that moisture is wicking up the crack and causing the sensor to fail. i guess ill give it a try,although it hasnt rained here in over a month . glad yours is runnin good, and thanks for the response =)
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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I recently ran out of gas and after putting gas in it over the course of a week the truck completely lost all power will Idol for a second but eventually bogs down and cuts off. I have lost all fuse panel identification cannot find on the internet anywhere need help locating a possible vacuum hose leak or fuel system fuel filter being clogged don't know how to identify anything I am a carpenter not a mechanic but have no money and I'm doing this myself please help me
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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check for a vacuum leak like a line broken or cracked or off etc. then go to auto parts scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge autop arts rent it.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
check where arrows are those would be large vacuum leaks.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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Checked house next to map sensor that goes directly into throttle body and the gasket that connected it to the throttle body was dry rotted... Fixed that with some vacuum tape... now it seems like the idle air control valve might be bad because it is still making sound after it is cranked it will run better but still not as it should and it is still making a loud air sucking noise
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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you don't tape a hose your replace it so check all your vacuum lines and if dry rotted/cracked/leaking replace them.... clean the throttle plate and iac hole with choke cleaner sounds like you still have a vacuum leak somplace.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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MIKE GROENEVELD
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its getting 6mpg in town and around 10mpg on the highway
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. also check for a vacuum leak.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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BHADDEN
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My '98 Dodge Ram 1500 (267,000 miles) was running great and then suddenly as I was driving I felt a loss of power. My truck wouldn't accelerate any more but maintained the current speed (about 40 mph). When I stopped at the next light it would not accelerate past 20 mph. I dont feel it shifting out of a low gear but I dont think it is a transmission issue. I keep thinking I may have gotten bad gas. Now it does not accelerate past 10 mph and dies quickly when I try to accelerate. As I press the pedal, if it does not die, I can hear the engine get increasingly louder but does not rev up. Is this something I might be able to handle myself or should I go ahead and have it towed to a local shop? I am fairly handy and have friends that are willing to help me but I dont want to make things worse while we dont now exactly what is wrong. I figured I would check my fuel filter when I get out of school and work one night this week (weather premitting) but hoping for an extra insight. Thank You.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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I would suggest checking the exhaust system for clogging. Symptoms indicates the exhaust system could possibly be clogged resulting in exhaust gas not getting out fast enough resulting in the lack of power and stalling under sudden acceleration.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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FXSTI03
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what is the procedure to change the fuel sock.
The vehicle loses power after half throttle. Catalitic converter was plugged but is now free but this problem still exists. I suspect the fuel sock needs replacing. Is there any other possibilities? Thank you
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Have you checked fuel pump pressure? Fuel filter? The sock is in the fuel tank and the tank and pump need removed to access it. Check pump pressure before going to all that trouble. Here is a how to for checking pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Let me know what you find.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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PETECT
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Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Dodge Ram V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 150,000 miles.
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I have a 1500, 5.2 litre. The problem is under normal driving condition, the engine losses power and starts popping like a popcorn popper. It will continue with no power and popping until I accelerate and the transmission kicks down , all power is restored and noise is gone but will continue to re-occur. I checked the timing due to a TSB about the gear under the distributor wearing out, but it checked out fine. There are no codes stored. I almost think its a fuel delivery prob.
I read your other suggestions on popping and you guys stated fuel pump. I spent the $300.00 on a fuel pump module, changed the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air cleaner and ignition coil and its still doing it. Any suggestions?
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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2CARPRO JACK
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Isit popping through the intake or exhaust? It could be a lean condition like you say, installing a manual fuel pressure gauge and driving it will be the only way to see if the pressure is good. Did you remove the distributor and inspect the gear or just check the timing?
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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HHEATONZ
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[quote:75d7389de9="2CarPro Jack"]Isit popping through the intake or exhaust? It could be a lean condition like you say, installing a manual fuel pressure gauge and driving it will be the only way to see if the pressure is good. Did you remove the distributor and inspect the gear or just check the timing?[/quote:75d7389de9]

I have the same truck same symptoms...popping is in the exhuast...fuel pressure remain 50lbs. --O2 voltage drops to .02 ..pcm does seem to respond with more fuel.....problems are completely intermitent
new parts ...pick-up coil, cap rotor wires, intake bellypan gskt.
I'm thinking bad PCM...looking for a way to confirm
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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2CARPRO JACK
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Might just need to be flashed with an update....
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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PETECT
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The popping is definatly through the intake. I checked the timing with a gun.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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2CARPRO JACK
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Do a compression and leak down test to see if it has an intake valve that isnt sealing.Could be a broken valve spring, or bad valve
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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PETECT
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After spending good money after bad, and changing half the parts on my engine, it turns out that I had a bad O2 sensor. Dodge and there wisdom decided not to let the computer trip the check engine light when the sensor fails. So anyone that experiences the symptoms that I have described above, try changing your O2 sensor first.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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DOMENICK200
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I turn my truck on this morning and the check engine light came on. This happened three days after I went to Autozone for an OBD reading and the guy said he could not read the truck, but the light went off after the scanning was done. Now that it is back on I noticed, a hissing sound when I push the gas, no acceleration until 2500 rpm, and rough tachometer. To me this sounds like a vacuum leak, but do you think it could be something more?
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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BEAT1970S
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My 2001 dodge starts right up runs a little rough and runs fine one day and may stall at a light the next. When it goes to stall I put my foot into it and I get the popping noise, but not all the time. Is this the same issues you were having?
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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it could be, but check for a vacuum leak like a hose off or broken etc. a scanner will be needed to turn the light off if the vacuum leak is the problem.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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TERRY PRATT
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Not the issue I am having. My truck shut off when I had pushed the resume button for my cruise control and now it won't restart.
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Terry, I just saw this listing. I noticed that all the prior responses are from 2008. I would be happy to help, but I need to confirm the year make and model of the vehicle. Also, if possible, please start a new thread so we can stay specific to your topic.

As far as the cruise, if the engine isn't even trying to start, we need to check a few different things.

Let me know. I will watch for your reply or a new thread.

Take care,
Joe
Dec 15, 2020 at 2:48 PM (Merged)