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Hey guys, I've got a big question for ya. I am in Colorado Springs right now, camping. I am having a little problem with the truck. I towed my 3000 camper from MN, and she is feeling really doggy. When getting on the highway, it just feels incredibly slow. Even without the trailer, she still feels slow. It did this all the way through Nebraska, so it is not altitude related. It happens in every gear, so I am thinking it is maybe a fuel filter that is getting plugged. I am not sure though. I checked the air filter, and it is a little dirty, but not enough to justify the huge loss of power that I am experiencing. It is not throwing a MIL, and its really frustrating me. If I was at home, I could do a little more in-depth diagnostic, but I am typing this from my laptop in a campground using the cell phone for internet access. I would really appreciate any help, as I would like to get this resolved before the trek back home. Thanks guys
Edit: BTW, I am getting a 2 or 3 mpg drop in fuel economy too.
Last edited by mistercmk; Jul 4, 2004 at 04:09 PM.
Reason: Forgot Info
How many tankfuls have you had this loss of power?
Could just be bad gas.
How many miles on the engine? The fuel filter? You can always remove the air filter for a mile or two to see if power is restored. Just don't do it on a dirt road!
There are many variables. Try disconnecting the battery to reset the computer.
I am thinking that it could just be this tankful, since it did was an ethanol blend. If I remember, it has been only on this tankful. The truck has 55k on it, and I will prolly fill it up with new gas, and see what happens. Then I will reset teh computer. I knew I was being vague, thanks for the help, I really appreciate it when I am stuck away from my garage.
I would think bad gas, or dirty air/gas filter. Maybe try running a mid grade gas next time? Or regular grade and a fuel-injector cleaner. Good luck and have fun!
I've done work in the midwest and with all those ethanol blends it killed my mileage and power also. I recommend a bottle of Lucas fuel system cleaner and like previously mentionede a reputable tank of fuel.
I just filled up with some name brand gas, the 87 octance. I still am having the problem. I check the trany fluid, thinking it might be slipping, and it is right where is should be. I will try resetting the computer tomorrow. It just has no throttle response. It used to sorta put you in your seat, as much as a 3 ton land yacht can, but now its got nothin. I'll keep you guys up to date. Thanks for the advice. Keep it coming
I stopped at the ford dealership near Estes Park, and a technician went for a ride with me. He suggested cleaning the MAF, and got me set up with a new air filter. It helped out a little, but its still really doggy. The cooling fan is constantly engages, so I am thinking that it is the fan clutch. I really like that dealership, it was 5pm, and they sent a tech for a ride with me, and gave me a can of brake cleaner. No charge to me. If it isn't better by the time I get back home, she will be going into the dealership.
Hey Mistercmk how hot is it where you live at? is it over 100' degrees? or perhaps change your fuel filter if its the original one, i changed mine not to long ago and i had 54k wow what a difference, you should have seen what was coming out of that filter when i was tapping it on a white piece of cardboard, chunks of crap that i couldnt describe, lots of dirt, tiny pieces of what seemed to be pulp like product, maybe the filter inside was falling apart so change that filter.