I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins. It has around 12,000 miles on it. While hauling a 2-horse aluminum trailer (with 2 horses) today I had something go wrong. I'll try to explain it -- I'm just hoping to get an idea of what it might be before we get over to the dealer (still under warranty) on Monday.

I was driving about 60 mph when all of a sudden there was a noise that sounded like a rush of air, similar to when a tractor trailer's air brakes are releasing air (-- about 2 seconds of a loud whoosh). At first I thought it was a tire problem or something, so I pulled over. No tire problem, so back in the truck I went.

When pulling back onto the road I noticed that there was a dramatic decrease in power... we were only going about 25 mph with it floored. I gradually got it up to the 40-45 mph range and kept it there while we limped home. The typical diesel engine noise was greatly reduced. It didn't exactly sound like a gas engine, but definitely not loud like normal. There was also a sound heard both outside and inside when accelerating of rushing air... with the air conditioner turned off it still sounded up front in the dash area like there was air blowing.

We made it home (aprox 15 miles) and dropped the trailer. After that it had a bit more pickup(I could make it up to 55 or 60 so after a bit of time) but there was still a dramatic loss of power - taking quite a while to get from 0-40 even.

No dash lights are on, the engine temperature remained in the normal range, and the oil pressure remained normal. I did have the tow/haul button pushed, so overdrive was off. I popped the hood and don't see any loose hoses, belts, etc. -- but to be honest I'm not sure I would know what I'm looking for. This is my first diesel and I am quite ignorant when it comes to under the hood of it. [&:]


Any ideas as to what I might be dealing with here?

Thanks!!
Sandi


(edited to change the title now that I see the boot connection off)

 

I`m thinking no boost. Maybe blown boot on intercooler.

 

Yeah, that could be it. I'll take a look in the morning. What exactly would I be looking for? I hate to sound ignorant, but I can't plead anything but when it comes to this truck. I really need a crash course in diesel technology!!!

Also, assuming the intercooler/hoses/boots, etc. are the problem, is this something I would be able to fix easily myself or should I go ahead and tow it off to the dealer since it is under warranty anyway? Again, assuming I see a visible problem with the above-mentioned items is there any harm in driving it to the dealer (probably 10 miles at the most), or should I have it towed?

Thanks... also, if anyone else has other ideas please feel free to add them to the thread. I appreciate it!


Sandi

 

You have a turbo problem, not cheap it is good that it is under warranty. I haven't heard of to many problems of their turbo's good luck.

 

Ok - update on the situation. I went outside this morning and looked under the hood. While facing the truck, on the left hand side of the engine compartment the boot is off. It connects good to the intercooler, and then the connector at the other end (in the middle of the engine compartment - I'm not sure what pipe it is connecting to at this point) is the one that is off. It is connected on the side towards the intercooler, but the one towards the truck cab is missing the clamp with the boot hanging down -- hence the rushes of air I hear upon acceleration.

Thanks for the help troubleshooting. Now, is this something I can fix myself or does it require a trip to the dealer? Also, would driving at moderate speeds for about 35-40 miles with the boot blown have done any damage to anything else, or is it just a temporary loss of power because of the air not getting through. Just wondering if I am able to reconnect it myself if it still warrants a trip to the dealer for a checkup.


Thanks again,
Sandi

 

I would go ahead and take it to the dealer because your engine was driven 35-40 miles with no air filter. It was just drawing raw air, hopefully you weren't driving down a dirt road or in the rain.

 

Get a new hose clamp and reconnect the boot to the charge pipe, then take it to the dealership, explain the situation, and have it checked out, because as mentioned above, you drove without an air filter. I don't foresee any issues, the Cummins is a tough engine, but have it checked under warranty just for piece of mind.

 

Thanks everyone....

Luckily it was a calm day with no rain and no wind to blow a bunch of dust/dirt around, and I was on paved roads the whole time. I'll get it clamped back on for now and take it in for a checkup.


Sandi

 

Be sure and take it to the dealer so they are aware of the problem! I drive a big rig for a living and on the second day after getting my new 2005 KW with the big Cummins the same thing happened to it. The turbo went out a month ago... When they go, you'll know it, a loud pop and black smoke!