I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 4x4 w/360V8. When trying to accellerat to pass a semi on the highway the engine stalled and decelled. It threw an engine check light. After that it would not go over 50mph(1500-1800rpm) with out trying to downshift and stalling. The engine code was a 300. I was told that it was multiple miss fires and needed a tune up. I change all things electrical. (plugs, plug wires, rotor, distrutor cap, and coil) no change. I had a transmission shop test drive it and was told it was engine.

It has no power. It will slowly creep up to 40-50mph as long as I do not go over 1500 rpm. Over 1500 and it down shifts and stalls.

I have been told everything from O2 sensor, cat converter, vacuum leak, clogged injectors or possibly fuel pump.

I am 500 miles form home and in need of help. I do have a doctors (mechanic) appointment for Tuesday but would like any advice or recommendation that might save me money in the event it is something simple

Tex

 

Might want to check out your Cat....a clogged cat can let the truck idle and run ok at low rpm....but not at higher rpms.

 

Yep check the cat mine just did the same thing to me! I got the magnaflow one from Summit & now I know that it was not flowing very well for a lonnnnnnnng time. It feels like a whole diff truck now.

 

Other than replacing the CAT is there a way of finding out ifthe CAT is the problem? Replacing it without confirming it is the problem would simply add ot he cost of throwing money at the truck hoping it will fix it. I am open to suggestion.

 

I took my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 to a muffler shop this morning. The reccomendation of the 2 individual who responded to my post were absolutely right. The muffler shop said that the Dodge Ram is famous for bad Cat and that I got nearly 200,000 miles was a miricle. I went to Mike's Muffler shop in Brazil IN. The treated me great. I was charged for the part and $38 labor. I want to say they could have really charged me anything they wanted because I was over 400 miles from home and had to have it fixed. I mean they could have changed O2 sensors and other things but didn't.

It is really great to find a truely dependable and honest shop.

I want to say thanks to the two people who posted advice and to Mike and his wife at Mike's Muffler.

Tex

 

No problem...glad you got it worked out.