No power under load

Chicken Hawk · 08-25-2011, 05:30 PM

This is my first post so please go easy on me. My truck has no power under a load. When I pull a trailer, I have to shift down to third gear just to pull a small hill and the truck gets hot. If I start down a hill or am driving fairly level, the truck cools down quickly but still has no power. When I first noticed, I found that the front right turbo intake hose had come loose. I put it back on with a new clamp and still no power. It does not sound like the turbo is functioning while I am driving but it drives fine without a load. No codes in the computer and I have 15psi on the fuel while idling. Any help would be appreciated.

planedoc90 · 08-25-2011, 10:59 PM

Most people on here will tell you they are dogs stock. I think mine does fine stock pulls hills ok, 55mph and would have went faster but was on a 45 mph road, with a 4500 pound pickup on a trailer. That being said what is fp at wot under load, check/clean radiator. How did you check codes, 01 dont alwas show all with 3 on key trick and some codes wont throw check engine light.

Chicken Hawk · 08-26-2011, 09:36 AM

Thanks for the reply. I do not have a gauge to check while I am pulling a load but I will try and get one. I had a mechanic friend of mine check for codes with a snap on reader. What is the 3 on key trick? I've had the truck since new and it has never had the power of my Ford diesel but it has pulled my 30ft camper adequately. Now it won't pull a 16ft trailer with two round bales without becoming a slug. It starts getting hot when I pull a long hill but quickly cools back down. What would cause the turbo hose to come off? Could it be an exhaust problem?

***upinsmoke53020*** · 08-26-2011, 09:49 AM

If it has no power and runs hot it could be a plugged cat.

rhagfo · 08-26-2011, 10:20 AM

Three Key trick is:
Insert Ignition key and turn from off to on (Dash Lights, no starter) three times LEAVING it in the ON position the third time. Any codes will b displayed in the Odometer, pdone is good.

Get a good set of gauges Fuel pressure (a MUST), boost and EGT. You may be running with a failed lift pump also.

What is the weight of the trailer?
I pull 8,000# Stock (before Power Puck) up 6% to 7% grades and nevered needed to use 3rd, 4th yes but never 3rd.

Your Lift Pump could be shot or you could be having boost issues.

The 305 are not helping at all either, what is your gear ratio? There should be a Tag on the Glove Box door.

UtahDodgeCummins · 08-26-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upinsmoke53020

If it has no power and runs hot it could be a plugged cat.

We dont have cats on our trucks, all we have stock are resonators and mufflers....

rhagfo · 08-26-2011, 11:09 AM

Sorry missed this on the 1st post!

Getting hot could be dirty radiator (on the outside), do you still have the Puke Bottle on the breather system on the front of the gear case?

If so your radiator is most likely covered with oil and dirt, you will need to pull out and clean.

HWY H8R · 08-26-2011, 11:34 AM

It definitely sounds like you aren't building boost due to the fact that the truck is getting hot and can't pull much. If you can't hear the turbo spooling, you either have a leak somewhere on the pressure side of the turbo (you said a hose had come loose, so check for bad hoses or a cracked intercooler) or the turbo iteslf needs repair. If I were you, I'd buy a boost gauge to verify that there is a problem with the pressure first.

Report back with your findings.

cummminsV12 · 08-26-2011, 01:49 PM

-AIRDOG 100
-GAUGES
-transgo shift kit
-EDGE EZ

Your truck will feel a whole diff animal. TRUST me

Chicken Hawk · 08-26-2011, 02:10 PM

Thanks for all of the replies. Sorry that I appear to be an idiot but now I have a whole new set of questions.

Where can I get all three gauges fairly quickly?
What is EGT, is that associated with the lift pump?
Where do I need to hook up the boost and EGT gauge, do the gauges come with specific engine instructions?
Is there any certain spot on the intercooler where they fail that I need to look closely at?
The turbo hoses look ok and seem to be fastened securely. Is there any other reason that it blew the hose off earlier? Gear ratio is 3:55

rhagfo · 08-26-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicken Hawk

Thanks for all of the replies. Sorry that I appear to be an idiot but now I have a whole new set of questions.

Where can I get all three gauges fairly quickly?
What is EGT, is that associated with the lift pump?
Where do I need to hook up the boost and EGT gauge, do the gauges come with specific engine instructions?
Is there any certain spot on the intercooler where they fail that I need to look closely at?
The turbo hoses look ok and seem to be fastened securely. Is there any other reason that it blew the hose off earlier? Gear ratio is 3:55

Where can I get all three gauges fairly quickly? Geno's Garage, XPD, or JKIdd
What is EGT, is that associated with the lift pump? Exhaust Gas Temperature. This is affected by fuel flow and the amount of Boost.
Where do I need to hook up the boost and EGT gauge, do the gauges come with specific engine instructions? Most come with instructions, boot, get a Boost bolt that replaces one of the Intake bolts. EGT drill and tap the back side of the Exhaust manafod at the Turbo mount.
Is there any certain spot on the intercooler where they fail that I need to look closely at? Not sure pressure test.

planedoc90 · 08-26-2011, 07:02 PM

Mopar1973man has a wright up on here on how to make a boost test plug to check for boost leaks. I dont know were it is but basicly you get a peice of 4in pvc pipe glue or screw cap to one end and using a rubber union clamp to inlet of turbo. Drill a hole in the cap and install a airhose nipple. Put regulated airpressur 20psi or so should do to it and you should here any leaks. You could even go further and use soapy water and look for bubbles.