Dodge Ram truck has no guts

DODGE RAM
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IDENTCC
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 w/318 V-8 and 87,000 miles on it. Whenever I drive it it seems as though it has no guts. When going uphill I hear the valves clacking but when on a flat road, it feels as though I'm constantly going over bumps. I've replaced the plugs, wires, cap, rotor and air filter to no avail. I recently had an oil change done and even added fuel injector cleaner into a full gas tank but that didn't matter, either. I'm told that 87,000 miles isn't enough to require a valve job (which would be way too expensive anyway) but I don't know where to look.

Any ideas?

Jim
Sep 12, 2007 at 3:26 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
I will tell you Valve jobs and engine wear have nothing to do with mileage! More to do with the maintenance of the vehicle. If you can hear the clacking of the valves, you have a problem! The lack of power and loud valves can be a sign of the compression being low, perhaps the timing chain jumped a tooth, If it were my truck I would do a compression test! And check the timing...
Sep 12, 2007 at 4:30 AM
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