Right after I got my 1998.5 24v 1ton DRW Ext cab 4x4 pickup this past June, I thought that the power was great. I pulled my 6000lb 5th wheel camper to a nearby lake (about 60 miles away) and the power was great still. On the way back, we thought that the power was lacking and not as good as the trip to the lake. The wind was not a factor on this trip. There were a couple of steep hills pulling out of the lake area but nothing too long. The people that we bought it from pulled a much larger camper with it before we bought it. I think that they had not pulled for about a year or so before we bought it. About 3 months ago, I put on a AFS Big Dog fuel system with the Walbro pump on the pickup. It pulls a more consistent fuel pressure now but the power issue has not changed. The fuel filter has been changed as well as the air filter. Could the catalytic converter be plugged and would that account for my perceived power loss? By the way, I had the codes checked and they show nothing. It seems like the turbo is not spooling up as quick as it should. When I hit the gas, it takes a few seconds for the turbo to wind up fully. Is this normal. I have not owned a diesel pickup before. When hooked to the camper, I can't seem to get about 60mph or 65mph on the highway and it takes a while to get there. Thanks for any and all help.. By the way, there are no other mods.

PS. The only smoke that rolls is at startup and very little if any.

 

I don't think that the 1998.5 had a cat unless one was required in a CA state engine.

 

Let me look under the frame and see. I thought I saw one under there. If there is not one, I am an idiot and appologize. That does not mean that I don't have a problem.

 

Theres nothing wrong with asking questions so their is no need to appologize. If you don't have a cat about 2 feet below the turbo then you may find that you have a resoator near the back end of the truck IIR. BTW, have you checked the muffler to see if it may be plugged up?

 

Jengel,I too have the same truck as you and I too thought that what I had was a CAT. I was told by these guy's that I have a resonator, not a CAT. Either way, it's gone. I eliminated it when I bought the Aero.

As far as your problem goes, I don't have any answers for you, but I'll admit that there have been times whereI thought my truck would have more ballz. I don't know how to explain it, but there have been times while towing that I've felt a bit let down, and all I'm towing is a 12 foot emclosed trailer.

I dunno bro. Hopefully someone else will be able to help you / us out.

Here's the trailer ...



[IMG]local://upfiles/42139/1F5F6C77A48B4BC8A59DF865B78BF1AE.jpg[/IMG]

 

If the previous owner didn't use the truck for a while, the fuel could have fouwled and clogged up the works. I would try running a good fuel supplement that will clean the fuel system. I personally like the Lucas stuff. Run it for a few tanks at the recommended dosage, and tow with it while running the stuff.

Also I have found that towing with a diesel is a little differrent than a gasser. I never just floor it and hold it there. I roll into the throttle and only give it enough throttle to keep it accelerating. I would try these simple things before getting all crazy. Also if you know someone who has a truck similar to yours let them drive it and get their impression.

 

Thanks guys. Mayfair, that is exactly my opinion when I pull. I have put some injector cleaner through it and use Drew's brew. I guess I will live with it for now. I think that the next step would to be to get a better air cleaner setup and see how that goes. I don't really want to put a lot more horsepower on the pickup, I don't have the money for a new tranny. I didn't mean to sound pissy earlier, it just came out that way.

 

Yeah, I too run the "brew", and I already have the K&N air filter and the Aero. My next step is the FASS. Hopefully that'll put some more spring in the step.

The truck seems to have it's "spurts". When I clean the air filter, it feels like it'll do the 1/4 mile in 12 seconds, but that only lasts for about 100 miles or so. Same thing when I put the Aero on too. Make no bones about it though, I don't regret one step I've taken. I think every one was a step in the right direction.

 

Nickbeek is right about driving a gasser and a diesel,found that my CTD likes to be floored then ease back on the pedal and depending on the load it will start picking up speed until you find your speed range, thats on level ground.Doing that with no trailer that "Beast" will get to 90 in a flash.

later tater