Hi everyone,

I am a new poster. I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota, 4x4, SLT extended cab, 5.2L, 109,000 kms. It's been great to me over the years, but recently I'm starting to notice that I lose power on hills, and when that happens I can hear a clicking sound, like from the engine (i think). Anyone know what this could be?
Background on me: I'm not too mechanically inclined, but i can change the oil, replace those easier-to-get things...in other words i'm brave enough to really screw things up ha.
Seriously though, I'm wondering if I can check anything myself before bringing it in for servicing. Thanks everyone.

-jeff
(Lunenburg, NS, Canada)

 

Is it a 5 speed or auto?

The clicking is probably an exhaust leak, which could affect a little power.

 

oops yeah it's automatic.

-jeff

 

Notice any odd shifts like revving up to high or sometimes not wanted to shift to a certain gear. It could be a exhaust leak you are hearing but I would think you would hear it all the time.

 

Yeah just recently sometimes it doesn't switch gears at the point it should.

-jeff

 

more info: it's a definite clicking sound, but it only seems to happen when I have a load in the back (my ATV or something) and when I am going up a big long hill with that load.

-jeff

 

Could be an exhaust mani (assuming it has the stock exhaust manifold) gasket is shot. That will make a nice ticking. So will a lifter...

 

Is changing the exhaust manifold (stock) gasket do-able? How? Also, I'm not even sure what you mean by "lifter".

 

or better yet, is there a way for me to check the exhaust manifold gasket?

-jeff

 

more info: with a heavy load, going uphill, I'll feel the truck losing power at an unusal rate, the clicking sound begins (sounds like it is under my feet), and when I try to give the truck more throttle the clicking sounds increases in strength, which scares me, and I let off the gas.