I am trying to tow my trailer and it appears that the turbo is shutting down (Probably a better term for this but don't know what it is) when ever RPM hits 2,400. The RPM drops immediately to almost idle then starts coming back up. It's a complete loss of power. I did it 3 times in a row just to validate the conditions, 8-10K lb trailer, pushing the throttle down to accelerate. Works great up to 2400 rpm then the rpm drops immediately. Has anyone ever seen this or have any idea what could cause it. I assume it the turbo shutting down because of the whir you can hear of something spinning down.

 

possibily a fuel filter starting to get clogged and not letting enough fuel.

 

I have changed the filter thinking the same thing and still have the problem. That doesn't eliminate the issue that it could be a fuel issue but how would I identify what caused the engine to completely loose power.

 

Can you let us know what type, year and make your truck is?? Also, any mods on the truck?

 

It's a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, 4x4, 5.9 Liter Turbo Diesel. Stock, no modifications.

 

Do you have any gauges? If you do, are you losing boost pressure? What are your egt's like? Can you take the boot off the front of the turbo and give it a spin to see if there are any issues? When you lose power do you have any smoke? Will it run fine at lower rpm? Whats your engine temperature like?

 

Possible lift pump.

 

ck air filter

 

I don't have any guages but wish I did. My engine temp is running up around 213 by scantool which is warm but not excessive, especially considering the load and california temperatures in the 80's and 90's. I noticed black smoke once when but wasn't paying attention everytime because I was trying to look at guages. Runs fine at any rpm below 2400. I haven't had a chance to pull the boot off yet and spin the the turbo but I will. I don't expect to see anything though because the problem is strlctly engine rpm related. The turbo puts out. Depending on load and throttle position, the MAP sensor reads up to 77 in hg.

 

The lift pump was replaced last year when it failed. Not that it couldn't be bad again but when it was failing last year it was stalling at idle.

 

Plastic intercooler tank????? I bet it is more on the lines of boost pressure rather than rpms. The 04s had a plastic intercooler tank and when you build enough pressure it will push the tank away from the cooler section and all the boost pressure will be lost. I think if you listen you will hear a slight whoosh when you loose power. Take a strong flashlight and look closely at where the tank is connected to the cooling fins and you will most likely find the culprit. It will happen more when you are pulling a load because that is when you are building the most boost pressure.
Check it out and let us know if you have a plastic tank. It may look like metal, but tap on it to make sure.
Betty

 

When you say goes back to idle do you mean it just slows down that much and doesn't make power again until the number or does the truck almost stop immediatly? Does it have an auto or stick? This info might be useful if the easy fixes mentioned are at fault.

 

I'm not 100 percent sure this is the answer because it cooled off so its a lot harder to get the temperature up. I guess there's something to be said for basic maintenance. There is an air filter vacuum gauge that was in the red. Changed the filter and reset the guage, it is completely in the green now. I pushed the truck pretty hard on a 6-7 percent grade towing the trailer and can't get it to repeat. It got up to about 213 degrees but not for long. Thank You MWDEAN!

 

My tank is all metal on my 2004. Thanks though.