I have a 97 Ram 2500 4x4, diesel, automatic that I pull a large fishing boat with, yesterday when I pulled the boat out of the water the truck lost power. I tried all the gears & also 4 wheel drive, still nothing, the transmission was not slipping, finally it barely creeped up the launch ramp. It towed the boat home fine but I noticed it ran a little warm climbing a hill near my house. I think the trans is getting tired but I don't know if that would cause the problem, I have the thermostat to the fuel heater unplugged because the solenoid fried & was smoking but I live in So. California & shouldn't need it any way, any suggestions? Thanks.

 

Welcome to DF ! I'll move your post to the oil burner section for better help.

 

How long since you changed your fuel filter? Drained your water separator?

How long ago did you last fill up the tank?

 

what kinda fuel pressure do you have from the lift pump?

 

I changed all the filters about 1000 miles ago & I'm going to have the fuel pressure checked this week, I towed a big trailer with 5 porta potties on it this week,to & from an event with no issues, this only happened on the steep launch ramp, it was like it was tied to a house.

 

make sure your lift pump is working good and providing good fuel pressure...

also what was your fuel tank level at during the time of the power loss? below 1/4 tank?

power loss in a diesel is almost always related to fuel delivery or severe exhaust restriction (btw tailpipe under water is NOT severe exhaust restriction. Just saying that to rule that out ahead of time for you)