First post here but been a Dodge lover for years.
I bought a 2001 Ram 2500 with a V10 and 55,000 miles on it last weekend. Test drove it with no problems and drove it home about 20 miles with no problems. Took it out after i got plates on it and something has happened. It has a hard time picking up speed and I can here some pinging and alittle backfiring, then all of a sudden it opens up and runs fine. I slow back down and the same thing happens. once and a while it will run fine but most of the time it dogs down and has a hard time getting up to speed. The PO bought it new and used it to pull his camper, then in 05 he had a plow installed and for the last 2 years he has just used it to plow his driveway and hasn't driven it on the road. Wandering if I have gummed up injectors, bad Cats, etc. It thru one code for o2 sensor voltage high but I was able to clear it and I think it was because it was pinning and backfiring.
Sorry to ramble but I am hoping that this is not a major problem.
Thank you for any help.

 

Check the wiring for the O2 sensor.... running lean would give your symptoms. Sensors shouldn't be worn out yet, but, it may not hurt to replace at least the front two. (I think you have two....)

 

Thanks for the reply, I will check on the wiring and check into replacing them.

 

Just replaced the T-stat because yesturday while I was driving it around I kept hearing a rush of fluid flowing, thought it was failing t-stat. Now I started it up and white smoke is pouring out the exhaust along with water, also the radiator hose seems to be rock hard. Hoping it is not a blown head gasket or bad head, any thoughts.

 

Sorry man, blown head gasket. Check your oil, if it looks like a chocolate milkshake STOP driving it.

 

Did you buy it from a dealer? If so, maybe need to talk to them!

 

I just changed the oil yesturday morning and it still looks clean but I only ran it for 10 minutes to see if the smoke would clear after I changed the T-stat today. Not sure what to do right now besides bring it to a repair shop but after spending $5,200 on it I don't have anything left over. I did not buy it from a dealer, private party.
thanks for the help

 

Ouch. May wanna have a chat with him..... you don't wanna drive it like that, you could end up trashing the whole motor. See if you can get some of your money back, maybe mention your best friend is a lawyer.......

 

my v10 i can hear the coolant rush in the heater box

 

Thanks for the info, last time I heard rushing fluid into the heater box in one of my old trucks it was the T-stat that is why I replaced it. So the conclusion on my problem is more likley the head gasket or head? I was taught a deal is a deal and I believe that the PO had no clue there was any problem with the motor but thanks for the best friend idea. Just checked the radiator cap and still alot of pressure after 2 hours of sitting.