I've posted this on other boards and I'm still digging to get to the bottom of this problem. 96 Dodge Ram 2500 4x2 V10, 166k with reg main done. Changed out spark plugs,wires, and the cat has been removed. The truck used to have a WAHHHHH WAHHH WAHH sound, but now its more like RUMMMM RUMMMM RUMM and the truck rarely gets over 2000 rpm........it actually sits at 1600 at 60mph. When I stomp on it, you can for sure feel a miss. The engine temp also has me a little concerned since it only runs around 150-170.............The real freaky thing is I am getting great gas milage.....14mpg on last fillup and that was hauling a 30ft toy hauler.....So I'm really confused here..........Any suggests?

 

Thermostat stuck open or half closed?

 

fuel pump?

 

40psi on the fuel rail so pump is ok.......................thermostat stuck open could be it for the temp problem......would that low of an operating temp cause the miss?.....especially with all the different sensors that run this thing

 

Damn.... I wish I was getting 14mpg.I got a 99 4x4 V10 and I get 9mpg if I can manage to drive like my grandmother. About your engine temp, my engine has never even gotten to the midway line. It seems our engines don't ever run hot for some reason.

 

RAMGOAT..........yeah I hear ya.......but the OE replacement thermostats are rated at 190........heck, I aint hit that with the AC on, towing the 30 ft toy hauler, while driving in 90+ degree outside temps!!!!
I'm just wondering if these are supposed to run at 190-200 degrees and if they dont then the computer adjusts everything???????????

 

Kid... I have very limited knowledge of autos in general, but from what I've read on this forum and what I've heard other Dodge V10 owners say is whether you're hauling the max load the truck can take or just cruising through town the mpg stays the same and no one has ever had their V10 overheat. Our engines are so powerful they can haul something in 100 degree weather and it still performs like there's nothing behind it. Provided you have the right fluids inthe right quantities of course. About the adjustments the computer makes, I haven't got a clue on that one dude.

 

That sounds like maybe a plugged fuel filter! Adequate fuel pressure at idle but when you step on it there isn't enough fuel to go around for all 10 cylinders.

When I bought my 2500-V10 it had over 190K on the clock and would not warm up! I replaced the thermostat and she warms up nice and runs better.

You might try replacing the fuel filter first and then the thermostat. If you're handy you should be able to do each one in a single afternoon.

 

Another thing to consider is the coolant tempature sensor, its the little probe on the thermostat housing, I believe it is a 1 wire plug.

That would give your truck false temp readings and affect MPG and temp readings

 

Spike since I'm only getting about 9mpg, is that low for a V10? I've had the truck for a little over a year now and never had a problem out of her. Do you think replacing the coolant temp sensor might increase my mpg?