Low power on long grades
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Low power on long grades
I have a 30 foot Class C motorhome on a 1997 E350 chasis with a V10. I pull a boat wieghing around 5000 pounds including trailer. When I go up a hill, the engine gets to a point where it just seems to have only a little power. I also notice at that time a rumbling sound (not metallic or pinging). I wondering if this lack of power being be due to the fuel filter or catalytic converter partially clogged. I don't have any problems on flat roads.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: NE Texas
Originally Posted by 97E350V10
It has about 35,000 miles on it. I bought it with 25,000 miles on it and I haven't changed the plugs or fuel filter. No engine light comes on indicating problems.
If he didn't I would change the filter first...anyway.
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I changed the fuel filter this weekend. An easy job after you spend $12 for the special tool. When I took the old filter off and blew through it in the reverse direction, it required some pressure (just used my mouth) but I didn't see any debris other than some rust coloring in the fuel reminants. I haven't had a chance to load test it yet by hooking up my boat and finding a long hill.
One think I didn't mention before was that my gas mileage had become really bad on my last trip, around 6 mpg. I wouldn't think a clogged fuel filter would have any effect on gas mileage. Would this point to another problem like the catalytic converter being bad?
One think I didn't mention before was that my gas mileage had become really bad on my last trip, around 6 mpg. I wouldn't think a clogged fuel filter would have any effect on gas mileage. Would this point to another problem like the catalytic converter being bad?
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Cleveland, Ohio
When I towed my 34 Ft 9000 Lb TT to Florida this past Christmas I had the same complaint about my 1999 V-10 van loosing power on hills. I bitched to everyone, but had I ever looked at the air filter? Of course not, and it was totally clogged wtih crud!! 
If you haven't, please check your air filter.
If you haven't, please check your air filter.
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From: Colville
What kind of gross weight pulling the boat? How steep of hills, % grade are you talking?
Do you let it down shift to 2 while on the hills? 3,500 to 4,500 rpms on the V-10 is nothing.
Has the power problem gotten worse or has it allways seemed that way?
Do you let it down shift to 2 while on the hills? 3,500 to 4,500 rpms on the V-10 is nothing.
Has the power problem gotten worse or has it allways seemed that way?
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