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Wjohns02's avatar
Wjohns02
Explorer
Jul 13, 2023

Diesel Pusher losing power

Just curious as to other have had similar experience.

Have a 2006 Tiffin Phaeton, currently on a road trip in WY and motorhome seems to loose power on even small inclines. Had the air filter changed in Odessa Mo. which seemed to correct the problem for a while. Currently we go from the ability to travel at highway speeds to literally having to climb the entrance to the rv park we are staying at for a couple of days at 5 mph because the unit wouldn't go any faster.

Am trying to find a diesel shop in Cody, WY to check the coach out but just wondered if other members have experienced anything similar.

Appreciate any feedback.
  • If you got a bad tank of fuel you may have to change fuel filters 2 or 3 times to get back to normal.
  • Thanks for the quick feedback. Attempting to connect with a diesel mechanic in Cody today.

    Recently had air filter and fuel filter changed. Not sure if unit has two filters but will find out.

    Unit is not blowing black smoke even when we are crawling from a speed standpoint.

    Will provide update once we can figure out the issue.
  • Tyler0215 wrote:
    Change the fuel filter


    Yup, always the first thing to do with a diesel with performance loss.

    Replace the fuel filter or if two be sure to replace both of them.

    Cut open the old primary fuel filter to see if there is a contaminated fuel issue.
  • Wjohns02 wrote:
    Just curious as to other have had similar experience.

    Have a 2006 Tiffin Phaeton, currently on a road trip in WY and motorhome seems to loose power on even small inclines. Had the air filter changed in Odessa Mo. which seemed to correct the problem for a while. Currently we go from the ability to travel at highway speeds to literally having to climb the entrance to the rv park we are staying at for a couple of days at 5 mph because the unit wouldn't go any faster.

    Am trying to find a diesel shop in Cody, WY to check the coach out but just wondered if other members have experienced anything similar.

    Appreciate any feedback.


    We had those symptoms when we got a cracked exhaust manifold which apparently reduced turbo boost. (I’m not a mechanic so don’t understand this). Have your mechanic check the exhaust manifold. Ours was a Cummins ISC. 2003.
  • This is just a guess, but sounds like it has gone into "Limp Mode" which many things can be the problem.
  • When you lose power is the exhaust blowing black smoke? If so it could be the turbo going bad.

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