12 Valve Engine and Drivetrain Talk about the 12V engine and drivetrain here. This is for 1994-1998.5 engine and drivetrain discussion only.

No Power Towing in Hills

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-09-2003, 02:02 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
cscobb1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Sparks NV
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No Power Towing in Hills

I have a stock 1998 12 vavle automatic, that when Im not towing runs fine on highway and hills. When towing a 4500 lb trailer in OD on flat land no problem doing 65-70 mph 2000 RPM, when I come into hills speed drops off, RPM drops off, and no response to more gas pedal. I have to take it out of OD and put my foot into it to get up the hill at 50-55 mph at best. I have had the tranny replaced, changed fuel filter, cleaned prefilter, and valves have been adjusted. Any suggestions? Im new to diesel so am I wrong to think this is weak running for only a 4,500 lb trailer (loaded wt.)? Also gas mileage goes from 17.5 mpg no trailer to 12.8 mpg towing trailer. Any suggestions helpful, any good diesel places in Reno/Sparks NV?
Old 08-09-2003, 02:48 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
Smokee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: London, ON
Posts: 843
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:No Power Towing in Hills

I had the same problem with my 12v. It was the fuel plate cocked a little sideways from the factory. Slid the plate a bit and the problem was gone.

A 3000GSK will make the truck very nice to tow with.
Old 08-09-2003, 05:26 PM
  #3  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
cscobb1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Sparks NV
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:No Power Towing in Hills

Thanks I'll look into the fuel plate. Does the 3000 void the engine warranty heard alot of different stories on that?
Old 08-09-2003, 05:41 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
MCummings's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Laredo, Tx, 7 hours south of Dallas
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:No Power Towing in Hills

Yes it will,, but you are out of warrenty anyway.

Get an EGT, and Boost Gauge, the you will be able to slide your fuel plate forwards some. This will "freshen" your truck up. Don't get carried away with the plate,, your auto won't like you very much if you try to put too much power down.

Merrick Cummings Jr
Old 08-09-2003, 07:17 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
dersequim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sequim, Wa.
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:No Power Towing in Hills

DO NOT use OD when pulling hills!!! You should drop OD just prior to hill and hit hill at 2100-2300RPM. Go to dieseltrans.com, then call Bill for more info and proper tecniques when pulling. See my sig for added MODS for towing. Guages are a MUST!! EGT and Trans TEMP the prime
need. EGT below 1250 pre-turbo. Bill will give you trans reccomendations.
Old 08-09-2003, 10:31 PM
  #6  
Registered User
 
1dslram's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Downey, CA
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:No Power Towing in Hills

NEVER tow in OD especially on hills with stock or near stock truck. I tow a 12,000# 5er and am over 500 hp and don't use OD in the hills. Your truck won't last towing in OD, you will warp the head because to high EGT temps and the TC can't take the load I don't even load my ATS convertor like that and it can hold it.
Bruce
Old 08-10-2003, 04:30 AM
  #7  
Registered User
 
dalton4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:No Power Towing in Hills

Cobb1, suggest you check your fuel pressure. My truck would run ok until I hit the tall grades pulling the 10k 5er. The lack of power was then very real. I checked the fuel pressure and the lift/transfer pump was only putting out about 12 psi at idle. A new pump and I was back to normal.

Jerry
Old 08-10-2003, 10:22 PM
  #8  
Registered User
 
Srigs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Twin Cities Minnesota
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:No Power Towing in Hills

Change your air filter! This did the trick for me...

Next your fuel filter...
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rxhermo
Towing and Hauling / RV
4
05-18-2008 05:56 PM
RAM123
Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only
7
03-26-2008 09:26 AM
offroadalliance
3rd Gen High Performance and Accessories (5.9L Only)
7
03-25-2008 06:11 PM
2500Ram
Towing and Hauling / RV
30
08-31-2005 05:50 PM
adamroofer25
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
6
01-23-2004 07:32 AM



Quick Reply: No Power Towing in Hills



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:36 PM.