Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Popping/Sputtering problem!?!?!

[Dodgentwo]

Ok so here's the problem. Recently my truck seems to be runnin like I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER! I dont seem to be getting the boost numbers I used to, and its got a real bad like popping or sputtering when I really lay into it. Also doesnt seem to have the power it used to. I adjusted the valves, didnt really help the problem. I have 3GSK springs installed and they are tightened down pretty tight. And it seems if I pu it to the floor, from about 2800rpm on it pops and kinda sputters.

I know I need to upgrade to 60lb valve springs, but do you guys think the valve springs could be doing this? Or is it just that the 3K springs are tightened too much??

Also wondered if it was maybe getting too little or too much fuel???

My smoke used to be black as coal, now its light grey. I know the new LSD probably plays part of that, but i dunno??? I dont have a fuel pressure guage on it to be albe to test the fuel pressure. If my pressure was dropping bad at WOT, would that cause this? Or am I floating a valve or something??#@$%!



Also could it be the fuel filter? It was changed a little while ago. Not exactly sure. Less than a year thought i think??



Any and all help is greatly appriciated!!

Travis

 

[Dodgentwo]

Or anyone else having this problem?

 

[TJarecke]

I am too.
I am posting to your question at comp diesel.
I posted a thread here just before you did about my modded 94 with low power.

 

[Dodgentwo]

Yea I saw your post right after i posted mine. Who are you on comp d?
Thanks,Travis

 

[TJarecke]

I am 97crewcab

 

[MMcCallie]

I have been having exactly the same problems. Boost lost 10 psi from max, no more black smoke, hardly smokes and when it does it is light grey. Got sputtering when i was driving I-70 recently from Dillon to Idaho Springs, lost lots of power, ran horribly.

I've been running lots of biodiesel and even though my filters are only a couple months old, that's the first thing i'm gonna check. I've read of ULSD loosening up gunk from the tank and causing excessive fuel filter clogging. Probably ought to be changed more often than once a year anyway.

 

[Woodenhead]

First thing I'd do is check fuel pressure. Are the sputters worse when it's cold. If you floor it in neutral does it sputter? Is it hard to start or needs some good throttle to get it going? If fuel pressure is a little low it could be the filter but is most likely the overflow valve. Also, timing could have slipped which can happen over time. If the timing slips a little it can cause the sputters as well.



Mike

 

[Forrest Nearing]

low power but smooth running is usually indicatave of not enough fuel... weak/dead lift pump, dead overflow valve, etc.



sputtering/popping could be air being sucked in by the lift pump from the fuel heater or dry/cracked rubber fuel lines. could also be slipped/low timing



just my experience

 

[MMcCallie]

On my truck, i've replaced the overflow valve and my lift pump with new parts from Piers just last spring. Solved my no start problem. I also bumped up my engine idle speed quite a bit so it starts immediately. Had my timing checked less than 2 months ago. I removed the fuel heater and prefilter assembly before putting this engine in my truck.

I also had this fuel filter problem during the summer, symptoms were exactly the same so i'm really hoping its just the fuel filters. I added a 3/8" inline clear cartridge filter when i installed this engine and can see that the element is very dark. I think i'll get rid of it this time around because it clogs sooner than the engine mounted fuel filter and is a bit messy to change out. I hope to find out later this week.

 

[AKron]

Ive got the same problem, sputtering, popping, and low power.

 

[Skydiver]

I am only repeating what I was told by a friend that has 4k gsk,370's,no plate, 60 lb springs and a better turbo. His 98 12 valve had the timing set @ 24 degrees and the popping went away. He had this work done by Jeff Garmon in Georgia. Also full billet auto rebuild.



Truck screams and yes he's got guages.



Has anyone esle had 370's and no plate run smooth on top end with less than 19 degrees timing?



Please don't shoot the messenger.

 

[Dodgentwo]

Well back to the problem... ... My timing is at 25* so its not low timing. Not sure if its low fuel pressure cuz dont have a guage. Yes, if im in neutral and floor it, it will pop and sputter when it starts getting RPM's. Smoke is not black like it used to be. Its light grey. And when driving, once it starts popping, the power drops alot. It seems to have less power overall, but really bad when the popping/sputtering starts. I dont have 370's. I have large custom injectors from JR Adkins. Dont know exact size or power, just that they are big. LC delivery valves, 25* timing, no fuel plate, BHAF, 3gsk tightened down pretty far, and JR's HX-55. I think thats about it.



So I dont think the timing needs turned up any. Going to replace the fuel filter as soon as I get a chance. And then try to check fuel pressure. Is there a way to hook up a temporary guage to see what my fuel pressure is doing?



Thanks, Travis

 

[TJarecke]

Afc adjustments made some difference. Then I pulled the afc and found my smoke. Once i figure out why the afc was not working I will get it timed and hopefully be able to report back.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

you sure timing didn't slip? when mine slipped, it would pop and white smoke at higher RPM under free rev or if I nailed it at higher RPM w/ no boost on the gauge.

 

[highmilage94]

Has anyone esle had 370's and no plate run smooth on top end with less than 19 degrees timing?



Please don't shoot the messenger.

I have just 15* with a, "ground multiple times, lets rack move as far as it can" fuel plate, and i have 370's and 191's and a 3k gsk. and my engine popped/sputterd/white/ blue smoke at high rpms, until i installed the 191's, but i also shimmed my injection pop-off pressure to 4,000... . i don't understand why Dodgentwo's would just start all-of-the-sudden?