Dragging a boat anchor!!!
#1
Dragging a boat anchor!!!
My kid has been driving my '97 Ram 1500 4x4 - 318 for a while and I just got it back. When I pull out and start to accelerate it feels like I'm dragging a boat anchor down the road. Engine sounds fine...no smoke, no brake or clutch smell, no MIL light, rear end oil is fine. Any ideas where to start looking for a problem??? Could a bad cat be the problem? Doesn't feel like its the engine though - more like something in powertrain.
#2
#3
RE: Dragging a boat anchor!!!
This may sound like a stupid suggestion, but check the parking brake by setting it then releasing it. The brake light may not be light but if the cable or any of the mechanisms are sticking, it would cause the truck to feel like that, but of course you would feel it as you let up off of the accelerator as well.
#4
RE: Dragging a boat anchor!!!
Definately not the parking brake sticking - checked that first. However, it feels like the brakes are dragging. I had it up on stands last night and the wheels turn free - nothing hanging up.
I notice some exhaust rattle last night, which is why I started leaning towards the cat. Question is would a bad cat feel like the brakes are dragging??? I've never had a cat SLOWLY go bad...just run fine one day then set the lawn on fire the next!!!lol
I notice some exhaust rattle last night, which is why I started leaning towards the cat. Question is would a bad cat feel like the brakes are dragging??? I've never had a cat SLOWLY go bad...just run fine one day then set the lawn on fire the next!!!lol
#5
RE: Dragging a boat anchor!!!
I have the same year, make, and model truck that you do and my truck has been doing that lately. I have days that it runs good and accerates like it is suppose to, and than other days it bothers me to pull out into traffic. I am going to get the converter cut off and get the rest of the exhaust replaced and see if that solves my problem.
#6
RE: Dragging a boat anchor!!!
clogged cat will restrict engine from reving up, both in park and in gear. if it'll rev up and hold about 3000+ rpm in park, then its not the cat.
if not already checked, check each wheel for free rotation, brake drag, bearings, ujoints, drive shaft, etc. if you can, put rear up on jack stands and put it in drive and rev it up and see if you have any bind. careful, don't go too fast.
what happens if you just get out in the road and romp down on it. does it go, or pig out.
if not already checked, check each wheel for free rotation, brake drag, bearings, ujoints, drive shaft, etc. if you can, put rear up on jack stands and put it in drive and rev it up and see if you have any bind. careful, don't go too fast.
what happens if you just get out in the road and romp down on it. does it go, or pig out.
#7
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#8
#9
RE: Dragging a boat anchor!!!
ORIGINAL: TheForce55555
Ha, my truck feels like a sloth too, i guess its a 318 thing, maybe its justs that mopar should have put bigger motors into these tank like trucks
Ha, my truck feels like a sloth too, i guess its a 318 thing, maybe its justs that mopar should have put bigger motors into these tank like trucks
#10
RE: Dragging a boat anchor!!!
ORIGINAL: dhvaughan
clogged cat will restrict engine from reving up, both in park and in gear. if it'll rev up and hold about 3000+ rpm in park, then its not the cat.
if not already checked, check each wheel for free rotation, brake drag, bearings, ujoints, drive shaft, etc. if you can, put rear up on jack stands and put it in drive and rev it up and see if you have any bind. careful, don't go too fast.
what happens if you just get out in the road and romp down on it. does it go, or pig out.
clogged cat will restrict engine from reving up, both in park and in gear. if it'll rev up and hold about 3000+ rpm in park, then its not the cat.
if not already checked, check each wheel for free rotation, brake drag, bearings, ujoints, drive shaft, etc. if you can, put rear up on jack stands and put it in drive and rev it up and see if you have any bind. careful, don't go too fast.
what happens if you just get out in the road and romp down on it. does it go, or pig out.
I did notice that the brakes are heavy at the top of the pedal. Maybe they're dragging or my rear cylinders aren't fully retracting - they're originals too. thanks for the input!!!