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Losing power

Tiny
NEAGWI
  • MEMBER
  • DODGE RAM
1996 Dodge Ram Van 2500, 172,000 mi, V6
I am losing power and having trouble starting up from a dead stop until it engine finally realizes it has gas. When I get down to a quarter full tank of gas I have to fill up or it will act as if it is running out, and pop like it's about to die, or if I try to punch it too hard it may pop a little. Also, there is a whine coming from the exhaust. 12 months ago I got two new heads, new radiator, new caps and roters. Not sure what to do.I have looked on here and found that it looks like my fuel pump. Is this true? Thanks for any help given.


-Neal
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Saturday, July 7th, 2007 AT 12:34 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
SCOTTPARX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Neal, I'm facing a similar problem with my 94 Ram B350. At about a half tank, my engine loses power and starts back-firing. I wonder if the fuel pump overheats when it is not sitting in the gas. My van runs fine when I first start and when I have a full tank of gas. I'm going to submit a similar question as yours. I really don't want to take down the tank and spend $200 on a whim.

Scott
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
DPWD23
  • MECHANIC
  • 136 POSTS
Its not likely that it is the fuel pump, it is more likely the sending unit tubing. Check fuel pressure at fuel rail. Check lines where tey exit tank. If they are loose, take sending unit to weldor to have things SILVER SOLDERED back together. Some mechanics braize the lines, but the silver will make stronger, slightly flexable joint.
Sometimes the only way to diagnose these kinds of problems is to get in there and have a look. Check the sending unit over carefully, making sure to replace the fuel filter too.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
SCOTTPARX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hey Dipweed, I replaced the pump yesterday. So far so good. The line leaving the tank wasn't metal. It was rigid rubber or plastic. The new pump came as a complete unit with other gadgits attached. It was huge! The complete unit was 8 inches accross and 16 inches long. I guess they didn't want me to feal bad about the $189. Thanks, if problem comes back I'll refer back to your suggestions, but honestly, checking the fuel pressure sounds hard. I don't have gauges or tees to do that.

Scott
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
DPWD23
  • MECHANIC
  • 136 POSTS
What you got for $189, was the entire sending unit. If i'm not mistaken (repair book not at home with me as I recover from a surgery) You got the float, fuel pump, filter, and all associated tank internals.
If you begin having this problem again, try replacing the filler cap on the tank first, before spending that kind of money again.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 2:54 PM

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