Sluggish 5.2L

[RAM-BO]

Sorry to start up an old topic. I have been reading up on plugged cats. And I am still needing some information. I guess I'll fill you in on the truck first: 2001 ram 1500, 5.2L auto, C/C s/b, 4x4 with around 160,000 kms on it (approx 100,000 miles I guess)

It feels hesitant and lacks power. The air filter has been changed back to a clean paper one while cleaning my K&N. To clean the injectors I chased through some injector cleaner (all 3 of my last tank fulls), so that "should" be clean. I am running farm plates on it and therefore putting in purple, but that much cleaner should do it shouldn't it? The tip of the tailpipe has a black powdery residue inside it, and I thought it could be running rich-dealer says ECM says good. My thought would be it is running a little rich and now has burnet out the cat, but with that restricted can it still push through with a lot of effort at high RPM? It just feels like it has a dead band in the 2000 RPM range. Another thought may be fuel filter/pump I guess.

If it is the cat, would I want to replaceit with a high flow cat as to not bugger up the electronics but yet not cause restriction. There are the duds for the electronics, but for a similar price I could get the high flow cat.

I guess I have a lot of questions and answers but not 100% sure where to go with it next.

[2000mudder]

could be alot of things. that many miles it could be all carboned up in the intake and egr ports, it also could be your cam is worn out, or just as simple as needing timing set or advanced a little.would definatlly replace fuel filter and spark plugs.

[fredjacksonsan]

It does sound like it's rich, I'd check the O2 sensors. If the cat has been plugged, you will have a problem revving it; over 2000 rpm or so will 'bog' or have lower power.

[BillNeugent]

I've had my truck, w/5.2L , start to loss power and run poorly. I replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter and egr valve with no improvement. Finally broke down the fuel injection rail and pulled the injectors. To my suprise the injectors was clogged full of bits of trash. I replaced the screens in the injectors and changed the fuel line. Never had the problem again. I had also ran fuel injector cleaner in mine, though it was clean but it wasn't. I would suggest you check your spark plugs to see if it's not running lean first. If it is then pull your injectors for a visual inspection.