Truck Repair: dodge ram 2500 4x4 2000, dodge ram 2500, vacuum leak

Question
my problem is that the truck doesn't want to go when I give it gas, then it's like I floord it when I let up on the gas, also it is burning oil really bad, and my gas consumption has gone up dramatically. The little dealership tells me that there is nothing wrong. The other day it completely died on me while driving. Is this a intake gasket promblem or vacuum leak. Also the engine light comes on and off and there is a loud tapping around 2rpms.

Answer
Oil burning - no power - tapping sound --- It sounds like you have an engine with high miles - these are all signs of a worn engine - they all could be symptoms of the same problem - the tapping is most likely a lifter - If a lifter goes bad it will tap - and cause high oil consumption - and since a lifter control in part the industion system it will cause a power decrease --

A vacuum leak will not cause a tap or oil consumption

An intake gasket will not cause a tap or oil consumption -

I think a compression check and a tune up should be a starting point - pay attention to the spark plugs - if they are not light tan in color at the tip then something is not right --