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sharetheroadw_b's avatar
sharetheroadw_b
Explorer
Feb 27, 2016

2015 Ram Cummins Fuel Restriction

I've been having intermittent fuel starving issues with my truck. When It first showed up it was cold, 0, and I assumed gelled fuel. We were just headed south. We barely got to a dealer, they replaced the two filters for $285! Ouch. Was way good for a couple hundred miles and then started again. 3 weeks later and we have been in S NV and it's been warm here. I've put fuel cleaner in it. Last time it happened it was below a1/4 tank so keeping fuel tank fuller. Happened yesterday pulling over a pass. Sudden loss of power, fuel restriction warning light on, engine oil starts heating up. Let up a little on throttle and little ways you can feel it get more power and it was better. Warning light still on though. Only happens under big load.
Possible issues; long story but we had tank removed and reinstalled right before we left. I spoke with shop and they don't see how they could of caused it. I also have fuel cap for a gas tank,not diesel, though that has been like that for months. I'm really stumped, searched the web and not finding anything. Thanks in advance.
  • NinerBikes's avatar
    NinerBikes
    Explorer
    Feb 29, 2016
    sharetheroadw/bikes wrote:
    I have a utility bed on a 5500 with a 12' cab over camper on back. My weight is 18000 and under my gvw. No problems for 10k till now. The bed mounts had issues and had to be re-done. Thus the bed and tank had to be removed and reinstalled. I was in boonies when lost first cap. A mechanic at dealer claimed cap didn't matter. I found drain petcock on first fuel filter loose too.


    Loose drain petcock will suck air into the fuel and starve the fuel injection system. Tighten petcock, and run with cap off, see if problem is solved. Put cap back on, see if it's starved for fuel under same conditions. If it was doing the same thing before the fuel filters were changed, but only since you installed a gas cap instead of a diesel cap, there's one indication.
  • Ozlander's avatar
    Ozlander
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2016
    Leave the cap off and try it.
    Proved or disproves the cap theory.
  • sharetheroadw_b's avatar
    sharetheroadw_b
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2016
    I have a utility bed on a 5500 with a 12' cab over camper on back. My weight is 18000 and under my gvw. No problems for 10k till now. The bed mounts had issues and had to be re-done. Thus the bed and tank had to be removed and reinstalled. I was in boonies when lost first cap. A mechanic at dealer claimed cap didn't matter. I found drain petcock on first fuel filter loose too.
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Feb 27, 2016
    This is a new truck, why was the bed removed? You mention heavy load, it may be trying to save itself. What are you pulling? I'd find a dealer that knows what they are doing. The Bosch emission systems are suspect on these truck.
  • PatrickA51's avatar
    PatrickA51
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2016
    NinerBikes wrote:
    You want a diesel cap, a gas cap seals fumes in, creates a vacuum


    x2
    Is the fuel tank plastic?
  • NinerBikes's avatar
    NinerBikes
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2016
    You want a diesel cap, a gas cap seals fumes in, creates a vacuum. You pull a vacuum, your pump won't pump, and you'll starve your pump for fuel and damage your HPFP too, as the fuel acts as the sole lubricant for the pump. Without fuel, it's oil starved too, and can and will seize.

    A gas cap is for gas, a diesel cap is for diesel. Why would you try to even swap them? Always, on a diesel, replace with original equipment. No telling what kind of damage you've done to your fuel pump, and money wasted on fuel filters, by being cheap and buying a gas cap for a diesel fuel tank. Maybe pay attention while refueling, so you don't lose the cap in the first place?

    The other issue is if driving in temps below 32F and you have accumulated water in your fuel... it can freeze in the fuel filter, partially clogging it. Get the moisture out of your fuel by running something like Power Service white bottle. Always dose your fuel when it gets below freezing, and always a couple before the first frost of fall, to dry out your fuel system.
  • TEXAS's avatar
    TEXAS
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2016
    Are you sure they didn't drop a rag in the tank. Happened to my brother. Had a tank pulled for cleaning. Soon after truck had fuel problems. Pulled tank back out. Found a rag in it.

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