First post here. I read elsewhere on this forum to look down the throttle body with a flashlight and if you see oil, you need a plenum kit to rebuild. Now I have done this and see a light coat of oil coating the bottom of the keg. What does this mean?

I just got this truck and there are a few things I want to do to it. Its a 1999 with the 5.9L gasser. About 185K miles on it too. Only trouble I've had with it so far is going down the street at about 40 mph and it started to cut out and loose power, but never died. Did it twice and for about 10 to 15 seconds each.

Any help would be great! This is my first Dodge!

Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum!

My advice, which may just lead to opposing views, is to do the vacuum test that's recommended in Chrysler TSB 09-05-00. If the test doesn't indicate a blown plenum gasket, don't worry about it any more. And while you're under the hood, check that PCV valve -- just pull it out and shake it. If it doesn't rattle, replace it.

 

You might want to check you your fuel pressure, you might have a fuel pump going out causing the loss of power, also do you have a rattle while idleing....if so time for a new cat another possible reason for the loss of power

 

Thansk for all the advice. I'll look into the vacuum test and check the PCV valve. (where exactly is the PCV valve located? A pic would be great) It seems to only cut out after it is warmed up, and only going about 40 mph. Like I said it only did it to me twice so far. Cant be the cat cuz its a new one, only has about 1500 kiles on it. Also, no rattling when idling and revs up nice when you punch it.

Good call on the fuel pump, could very well be that.

I'll let you all know what turns up.

Thanks

 

With 185,000 miles, yes.

 

Check the sep belt tensioner too.

 

It sounds like the typical Converter locking up. Do the RPM's drop when you loose power? The TC will lock up anywhere from 45-55 mph.

 

Yeah, loose rpm when loss of power.

 

Yup', that's normal. It's your trans shifting into overdrive.

 

It may be all black, all white, gray, gray and white, or whatever colors struck the fancy of the manufacturer. The end that points leftward in this image will point upward, sticking out of the valve cover, while the white end in this image will be stuffed into a rubber grommet in the valve cover. The hose will go from the barb (at bottom in this image) to a vacuum port on the intake manifold.

The price of these widgets is typically two to six dollars. The cost of letting a failed one go is much higher. I like to replace them along with the spark plugs just so I never have to deal with a failed unit spewing oil into my intake manifold, fouling my spark plugs and clogging my catalytic converter. Most folks (not here in the forum, but out in the world) who do their own maintenance neglect PCV valves until they cause bigger problems.