Ron, Eric has pretty well covered possible area of concerns. I would suggest would be
taking an oil sample of your engine oil. Many beavers members use BlackStone Lab or drop
oil sample off at a Caterpillar service shop. The taking of oil sample is like going to Doctor for
blood draw, the readout would spell the DNA of what is happening within your engine ( meaning
If your engine has pulled dirt into engine for various reasons etc.) Getting results of the first
oil sample printout of which will set up a base line of health of engine. Than would suggest taking oil sample at every oil service period. Cost is around $ 30.00 or less
Looking into the power problem, the first place I would check is the fuel system ,the fuel transfer
pump driven off back of Heui pump with the little .250 gear width was not designed to pull diesel
fuel from the distance of more than 16 feet and motorhome builders far exceed that statement.
With this being said over time the possibility of air entry into the fuel system on the suction side
coming from fuel tank to fuel transfer pump. One easy way to check for air is put a clear plastic hose
on the return fuel pressure location on rear of engine head ( that returns fuel back to tank in front.)
Install a pressure gauge after the fuel transfer pump , reading should be 58 psi at idle and 70 to 80
psi at high idle. Last the fuel system is a very common problem for low power. Have a merry Christmas
and enjoy RV travel. Dave Atherton RetiredCat Mechanic