I have a 193,000 mile '99 Dodge with cummins 5.9 with 5 speed manual behind it. I am having an issue with lack of power, once it gets to about 1200 rpm. The truck will reach full rpm, it just takes a lot longer to get there than normal. The turbo does not want to spool up. I have replaced the waste gate actuator and the problem persists. It's not the fuel filter or the air filter. It is not smoking black nor white (so could it possibly be a fuel issue?). Once it reaches 3rd gear, the truck gets sluggish, as if you were pulling a heavy trailer. There are no other noticeable issues - just lack of power. I don't know what direction I should look in. Any suggestions?

 

I would do a fuel pressure check ..those lift pumps are famous for failing and taking out the injector pump..

 

As mentioned above check fuel pressure, these are famous for it, although i think you would get more then just a lack of power, it went out on a buddy of mine's 01 and it wouldnt even start, the injector pump was fine but the lift pump was shot. One way to check, I would wonder turbo, but swince you have messed with the waste gate with no success I am not sure there either.

Personallly unless you are a big DIY'er I would take it to someone and get into it a little more then just a guy with a tool tray can do in his drive way.

 

My money is on your lift pump. I'd get a draw straw with sending unit and get yourself an Airdog or FASS lift pump so you don't have to worry about it going out again anytime soon.

Rectify the situation NOW, the longer you delay the higher the odds are that you're going to have to replace your VP44 injection pump.