I have a 2001 Fleetwood Discovery 37 foot Diesel Pusher with 60,000 miles Last week we took a trip over Donner to Wheatland, Ca. And Bishops Pumpkin Farm. Coming back, it ran great till we got into the mountains and started pulling hills and all of a sudden, I was down to 35 mph and had no power. We crawled up to the top of Donner Summit at 35 mph, when I got to the top, I stopped at the rest area and shutdown while using the facilities. After that it seemed to run better, but would still drop down in speed as soon as we encountered any kind of incline. Does anyone have any ideas what to check? I am trying to avoid another generator situation, if it is something simple. Engine is a CAT. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
I donโt have a diesel pusher but Iโve had exactly those symptoms in two other turbo diesel vehicles and in both cases, marginally clogged fuel filters were the cause. They would flow enough fuel while cruising but when power demand rose to where lots of fuel was called for, they couldnโt pass enough and they would go into limp mode, 35 mph top speed and took a week to reach that. Shut off and restart, and back to normal until you needed full power.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose. Sold 04 Dynasty to our son after 14 great years. Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45โ...
We had almost the same issue going up the Siskiyou pass. Ours ran okay on the down hill. Lost power on the up hill. Limped to the CAT shop in Redding Ca. The codes said low fuel pressure. They replaced all the fuel filters. Took it for a test drive. Still no power. Changed the air filter. Poof. Back to full power.
2005 GB Cruise Air XL DP 3 slides, 350 Cat 2002 Ford Explorer, drag along 3 Standard Poodles 1 Mini Poodle Vancouver Island BC, Canada
I ran into exactly the same problem last year. It was my fuel filter, the aftermarket Raycor mounted in the back. I did not have too many miles on them but perhaps some dirty diesel clogged it. Now I carry spares for both engine filters. Mine is a Cummins but shouldnโt be any different. As noted also check for any air intake leaks. Hope that is the cure.
I would have to guess your fuel filter is becoming plugged . My second suggestion is to check and possibly replace your air filter. Ether one of these could cause your power loss when pulling a hill .