I'm new to the mailing list, so I apologize if this is an old subject. I
have a 1987 Dakota with a 3.9 V6 automatic. It was purchased new in
California and now resides in Colorado. It lives 70% of the time at 5300'
and the balance at 8600', cresting an 11,300' pass in between. When climbing
up the pass (maximum 6% grade), I can't keep it at highway speeds in third
gear; it loses speed until it finally downshifts. It performs fine in
second; I can usually drive at 50 - 55 in second. Unless I'm off base (and I
may very well be), I think it should perform as well in third. (I also
transit a short segment with a 10% grade where I'm lucky to maintain 25 mph
in second.) When on a level surface, it seems to do just well; it's only on
an uphill climb that I have this problem. The Dodge mechanics say they can't
find anything wrong with it. One of them suggested that the final drive
ratio may be too high (low?) for mountain driving. It is a carbureted
engine; could the nozzles need to be replaced? (It does run rich when cold
at the higher elevation.)
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
___ ___ Principal Consultant
/ ) __ . __/ /_ ) _ _ _ Informix Software Inc. (303) 740-5612
_/__/ (_(_ (/ / (_(_ _/__) (-' ~/ '(_- 5299 DTC Blvd #740 Englewood CO 80111
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