Extreme loss of power?
#1
06-08-2018, 03:29 PM
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Extreme loss of power?
Hey all.
I've had an 06 Ram 1500 4x4 4.7 quad cab for around 6-7 years, and over that time I've noticed my power and performance has gone down and my MPG has gone down by a couple, too, but lately I have almost no power. My first thought was the catalytic converters. Removed the 02 sensors, did a back pressure test with a gauge, and it held steady at around 0-.5 psi, which from what I've seen is within spec. I hear no rattle when hitting the cats with a mallet, so I don't think the catalyst inside is broken. Also did the temperature test when they're at operating temp, and the top and bottom are within 20-30 degrees of each other. Not throwing any CEL codes. I also read that the map sensor could be the culprit, so I replaced that. Has new plugs with a few thousand miles on them. Also removed the throttle body and cleaned it. I've run fuel injector cleaner in the tank, as well as the type that goes right in the throttle body (produced an impressive smoke cloud!), but still no significant power increase.
Only real performance upgrades I have is a Spectre CAI (cleaned the filter probably 2-3k ago) and a Flowmaster muffler.
I am running slightly over sized tires (285/70r17) but I've had that size on the truck since shortly after I got it.
Anybody have any ideas?
EDIT: I do smell a somewhat faint sulfur smell when climbing the mountain, which makes me think even more it's the converters. Called my local exhaust shop and asked what he though, and he said after all the tests I've done, and it not throwing any codes, he doesn't think that's the problem. I'm still not convinced it's not, but before I spend 300+ bucks on converters I wanted y'alls opinions.
I've had an 06 Ram 1500 4x4 4.7 quad cab for around 6-7 years, and over that time I've noticed my power and performance has gone down and my MPG has gone down by a couple, too, but lately I have almost no power. My first thought was the catalytic converters. Removed the 02 sensors, did a back pressure test with a gauge, and it held steady at around 0-.5 psi, which from what I've seen is within spec. I hear no rattle when hitting the cats with a mallet, so I don't think the catalyst inside is broken. Also did the temperature test when they're at operating temp, and the top and bottom are within 20-30 degrees of each other. Not throwing any CEL codes. I also read that the map sensor could be the culprit, so I replaced that. Has new plugs with a few thousand miles on them. Also removed the throttle body and cleaned it. I've run fuel injector cleaner in the tank, as well as the type that goes right in the throttle body (produced an impressive smoke cloud!), but still no significant power increase.
Only real performance upgrades I have is a Spectre CAI (cleaned the filter probably 2-3k ago) and a Flowmaster muffler.
I am running slightly over sized tires (285/70r17) but I've had that size on the truck since shortly after I got it.
Anybody have any ideas?
EDIT: I do smell a somewhat faint sulfur smell when climbing the mountain, which makes me think even more it's the converters. Called my local exhaust shop and asked what he though, and he said after all the tests I've done, and it not throwing any codes, he doesn't think that's the problem. I'm still not convinced it's not, but before I spend 300+ bucks on converters I wanted y'alls opinions.
Last edited by RamFireman; 06-08-2018 at 03:37 PM.
#2
06-08-2018, 03:41 PM
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#3
06-09-2018, 08:12 AM
#4
06-09-2018, 10:50 AM
Did you use factory specified plugs when you changed them? Changing brand and or composition can definitely produce that egg smell and kill your performance. I don’t care what the computer says will work, Don’t use anything other than what’s listed under your hood on the emissions tag!!
Last edited by 66three83; 06-09-2018 at 10:53 AM.
#5
06-09-2018, 07:14 PM
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EDIT: and by that I mean I completely removed them from the exhaust pipes. I didn't try driving it with just the electrical plugs unplugged.
Did you use factory specified plugs when you changed them? Changing brand and or composition can definitely produce that egg smell and kill your performance. I don’t care what the computer says will work, Don’t use anything other than what’s listed under your hood on the emissions tag!!
Last edited by RamFireman; 06-09-2018 at 08:48 PM.
#6
06-10-2018, 01:04 AM
Just so you know, Autozone told me the proper plugs for my hemi were the champion platinum. The factory plugs are copper, and there are many posts throughout the years on issues with platinum plugs and problems. Look under your hood and use what the factory tells you to. Auto stores and the lackeys behind the counter don’t know jack s###.
#7
06-10-2018, 01:05 AM
Just so you know, Autozone told me the proper plugs for my hemi were the champion platinum. The factory plugs are copper, and there are many posts throughout the years on issues with platinum plugs and problems. Look under your hood and use what the factory tells you to. Auto stores and the lackeys behind the counter don’t know jack s###. Btw, Cats very rarely fail.
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#9
06-10-2018, 01:26 AM
Found this for you.
Anyways, I finally found out what was causing the stumbling and rough idle... the plugs.
Everywhere I read was to use copper based plugs, so I did: Autolite 5224 copper plugs.
Apparently the resistance or something in these Dodge systems is so picky, it REQUIRES the specific resistance of the original Champion RC12MCC4 plugs (for 4.7L) which is somehow different from other plugs. I talked to the automotive repair (also a manager) friend I know and something about these 2000-newer engines require these plugs. They even have problems with the higher end platinum and premium based plugs which he said some scamming dealerships recommend to people to get them to come back and pay more for troubleshooting why it is idling and running rough making them more money. The only time when other plugs can be used safely is when the PCM is modified with something like Superchips that alters the timing that allows for premium/platinum plugs with slightly different (usually faster) spark rates.
I found ONE local auto parts store that had the specific plugs I needed (and not bad at $2 ea, versus $2.50 per 2 pack of the Autolites). As soon as all 8 were swapped out, the D ran better than it did with the old plugs that had 90-120K miles on them. Better power, and will most likely get better gas mileage.
Plugs required for the 4.7L engine from 2000+:
4.7L - RC12MCC4 (Champion)
Anyways, I finally found out what was causing the stumbling and rough idle... the plugs.
Everywhere I read was to use copper based plugs, so I did: Autolite 5224 copper plugs.
Apparently the resistance or something in these Dodge systems is so picky, it REQUIRES the specific resistance of the original Champion RC12MCC4 plugs (for 4.7L) which is somehow different from other plugs. I talked to the automotive repair (also a manager) friend I know and something about these 2000-newer engines require these plugs. They even have problems with the higher end platinum and premium based plugs which he said some scamming dealerships recommend to people to get them to come back and pay more for troubleshooting why it is idling and running rough making them more money. The only time when other plugs can be used safely is when the PCM is modified with something like Superchips that alters the timing that allows for premium/platinum plugs with slightly different (usually faster) spark rates.
I found ONE local auto parts store that had the specific plugs I needed (and not bad at $2 ea, versus $2.50 per 2 pack of the Autolites). As soon as all 8 were swapped out, the D ran better than it did with the old plugs that had 90-120K miles on them. Better power, and will most likely get better gas mileage.
Plugs required for the 4.7L engine from 2000+:
4.7L - RC12MCC4 (Champion)