OK so Im going to give as much info as possible. I am a decent back yard mechanic but dont have many high tech tools. Where to start. About a month ago I started to get an occasional bog when restarting the truck when hot. It would idle ok but act like something was building up pressure and not letting the truck go. I would be in neutral and couldnt get the rpms to come up then it would hesitate and want to die. Now on the way home from fishing and towing a boat yesterday. The truck was idling great but had a crazy bog / power drop while in mid to high rpms. It was kind of choking and general power loss. I was lucky to get home... So I was thinking bad gas, fuel filter (replaced 18k miles ago), bad fuel pump, cat clogged? Could you guys give me any tips where to start? I dont have a fuel pressure gauge. I was planning on taking my truck to my cabin tonight but I dont think thats going to happen now unless I can this fixed ASAP... Thanks in advance for the help. I'll try to check back often to see what everyone thinks and can provided more info if needed.

 

First thing I would look at would be ignition timing. Make sure you have the diagnostic terminals jumped before you adjust timing following this guide.

 

Question: How much do you drive this, is it your daily driver? If you drive it daily, it probably isn't bad gas but could possibly restricted fuel flow like a filter or a faulty fuel pump.
Timing is a good place to start if you have a timing gun or know someone that does, if not, I'd check your exhaust and make sure it's clear and noting is inside it like mud or a potato or a small squeak toy.... whatever.
Also pull all of your spark plugs to make sure there aren't any sort of weird issue with them.

 

Cool thanks guys I'll take a look at this tonight. Anyway I have my timing advanced to 8 deg. It really helps with the power of the truck. Ive never had any issues with this before. I'll recheck timing though.

 

I would be checking fuel pressure. I think some auto parts stores like autozone loan tools out, you may be able to borrow a gauge. If you find it is a pressure problem take time to check the pickup for cracks while replacing pump, I've seen them crack a few times.

 

Does your cat get really hot or show any other signs that it is plugged up?

 

Ok I got some new news for everyone to absorb. I saw my battery terminals were coroded so I took everything apart and cleaned them up. When I started the truck it was like a brand new 22re. Ran like a top, so I took it out for a ride. 5 mile ride went great. Parked the truck. Then I had more time so I wanted to test it. Went for a 10 mile ride. The truck starting acting up again twards the end of the ride. Not as bad but its getting a little buck/ cough I would estimate around 2-3k rpms and then it has power again. I hope I can track this down.

 

I looked at the fuel rail and I dont see the connections to hook up a guage. Could you tell me where to hook it up. I found out my uncle has a fuel pressure gauge.

 

Not that I can tell. When I started it up today I had my wife give it gas and I felt the pressure comming out the exhaust and it felt strong when reving? Next time I run the truck after I get back from camp this weekend I'll run it around and check it. It would get cherry hot right?

 

So after cleaning up the battery it drove fine for a while? Have you checked to see if the battery and charging system is in good condition?

 

There is no port, you will need a fitting to tap into banjo bolt at filter. They come in most efi pressure test kits.

 

You are correct, it drove like a normal truck for approximately 10 -12 miles before it started acting up again. I have not check the battery or charging system. I'll take it to advance auto parts and have them check that out for me. I can do the normal testing with a meter but I might as well have them do a load test.

 

When you pulled the battery cables off to clean them it also reset the ECU. After a few miles of driving wouldn't the ECU readjust everything?

Also you might want to upgrade your under-hood ground wires. A thicker gauge and solid grounds will help everything flow a little better.

 

Anyone else have any tips? Im back from camp and going to work on the truck today.

 

Well since seafoaming and cleaning up the battery terminals and cleaning up some grounds the truck is running great. I hope it stays that way for a while!