2000 Dodge Dakota loses power and skips

[ChadMorrison]

I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4X4. It is a V6 with manual 5 speed transmission. I am experiencing frequent loss of power while driving. It feels like the engine is skipping / missing. When the problem began about 2 months ago it usually occurred after 20-30 minutes of operation. Now it often occurs immediately at start up. I have tried a number of fuel additives as well as dry gas and premium octane fuel. The best combination seems to be high-test fuel with double the normal amount of dry gas (enough for 40 gallons in a 22 gallon tank). It definitely runs better when the tank is full and performance deteriorates greatly when I get below a 1/2 tank of gas. I had it evaluated when it first occurred and the check engine code indicated that it was a problem with the gas cap not sealing properly. I replaced the gas cap and the problem has continued. Does anyone have any recommendations on what this could be? Thanks in advance!

[edseed1]

Sound like fuel delivery I had the same problem when I had an older dakota with a carb. I took it to a local mechanic and he cleaned the carb. That didn't work so I took it back, then he blew screen of the end of the gas hose inside the gas tank. After that the problem never came back. If I were you I would really find an honest mechanic for this, some like to charge more just because it has to do with the fuel system.