Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 12 valve lacks power

[mhcrane]

I have a 97 3500 411 12 valve. It doesnt seem to have very mutch power when loaded. It is stock, I think (just got it 6 months ago), all I have done is an AFE filter and no muffler. I recently was carring a 1800 lb cab over camper and towing a small trailer with two motorcycles(1300 lb) up a long grade, I was maxed out in 3rd gear, not enough power for 4th, and was passed by a nissian titan pulling a 19 ft camper. Please some one give me some help. This is my first cummins, I was a die hard powerstroke man (as of yet I am not impressed with my cummins on the road.

 

[Extreme1]

Welcome to the TDR.



How many miles are on it? I'd guess that it has a plugged catalytic converter or a fuel delivery problem like a overflow valve.



Do us a favor and fill out the signature information so we have more info on your truck.

 

[mikel]

Don't let the stock power discourage you. Tell us a little more about your truck, auto or manual, how old is the fuel filter, 2wd or 4wd, etc.



Also, where are you located?



Let us know and we can do more to help you.



BTW, the power is there, you just need to let it out.



Mike

 

[crabman]

mhcrane,

Do in the order below.

#1. Get EGT, Fuel Pressure & Boost gauges and install them.

#2. Go to HERE get a plate and the 3K spring kit and install.

#3. Timing advance.

#4.

Use the search function to find more info on the above, hours of reading.

crabman

 

[y-knot]

I too have a 97, and you do seem to be down on power. Many good suggestions were posted, but before you go adding anything new to the equation, get the stock engine fixed first. To me a loss of power can come from many places, you have only had the truck for 6 months so there are several areas to address first. First thing is a good maintenance overhaul, which should include oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, transmission oil and filter, front and rear diffs oil change, grease, transfer case oil change. These are obvious but need to be addressed, they will at least help eliminate some areas of concern. The transmission , if auto should have the bands adjusted also. Other items like batteries should be checked for charge and load,and the inter cooler system should be checked for leaks, both thru the inter cooler itself and all it's plumbing. The lower boots have a habit of rubbing a hole. Also don't forget to have the valves adjusted, and timing checked.

Once the basics are checked you then have a base to draw upon, hopefully your problem will be solved.

 

[gds3076]

To me a loss of power can come from many places, you have only had the truck for 6 months so there are several areas to address first. First thing is a good maintenance overhaul, which should include oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, transmission oil and filter, front and rear diffs oil change, grease, transfer case oil change. These are obvious but need to be addressed, they will at least help eliminate some areas of concern. The transmission , if auto should have the bands adjusted also. Other items like batteries should be checked for charge and load,and the inter cooler system should be checked for leaks, both thru the inter cooler itself and all it's plumbing. The lower boots have a habit of rubbing a hole. Also don't forget to have the valves adjusted, and timing checked.

I agree with y-not. By doing all of the things listed above you'll know where you stand. . and it'll be easier to pin-point a problem.

good luck

 

[mhcrane]

Sorry guys for not giving you all the info on the truck or me,this is all new territory (internet chat rooms). First me , I am an ASE master tech with 10 years light line and 1 year heavy line repairs (no deisel mods beyond computer reprograming ,exhaust ,and intakes). Now the truck ,it is a 3500 club cab 4x4 5spd flatbedwith 120,000 on the clock. I did a through inspection on it right after I got it and a full service (LOF, fuel ,installed an afe air filter). The truck seems to be stock with the execption of a 3" straight pipe exhaust. I havent checked the valves or timing. I just ordered the timing gage from my snap-on guy. The truck only has minor oil leeks and just devloped a small deisel leek on #1 injector (lack of power was there befor this). I plan on doing a timing advance, valve adjustment ,timing cover dowel pin fix , and reseal the injector. Any suggestions on a fuel plate, pyro /oil temp gage set up( please keep in mind I am a poor Mechanic)

 

[Lsfarm]

Cheap and Easy

Hello mh.

Go to the button at the top of the page labeled 'user control panel' then click on the 'edit profile' button. Then you can create your signature.



Where are you located?? There may be another TDR member nearby who can help you out, or better a local group or chapter.



Get at the very least an EGT gauge, Geno's sells them. I like DiPricol and Autometer. Even though a full set of gauges on a triple pillar mount looks great the only absolute must is the EGT gauge. If you are really broke, install it on the kick panel under the ashtray using a single gauge bracket.



Then install a 3GSK [governor spring kit] [about $150] this will really wake up the engine, and while working on the pump move the stock fuel plate full forward, and reinstall the AFC housing full forward as well this will give you a significant HP and Torque increase for only a few $.



If you do a search for 3GSK and AFC housing you will learn how to do these two jobs.



PM me if you have questions.



Hope this helps Greg L

 

[mkhenry]

I have to agree with #10 Plate and 3KGSK. It will really wake up a stock CTD. Less than $300 and the difference is amazingt...

 

[SEmerson]

A 97 stock will bearly get out of it own way. I know I have one. But it is a awsome engine to make power with. Get guages, set timeing to 16 and get a gsk. You can get a gsk from PDR. Thay are in the links under engine perf. Then slide the cam plate forward. All of those things will make it most driveable.

 

[gds3076]

SO WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME??

 

[PKryszewski]

HI

MY FIRST TIME HERE AND I NEED SOME HELP



I PUT INFO ON MY TRUCK AND I WILL PUT SOME PICS IN PROFILE

 

[Deezul1]

You sound like the stock power isnt there any more. I have a 97 and stock it was still good for towing my travel trailer and the power wasnt awsome but it performed way better than a Ford 460 gasser. Check fuel pressure as that can be low and cause a big power loss. The overflow valve is located in the banjo bolt on the injection pump return line which is at the fron of the pump next to the engine. remove the small bolt from the center of the banjo bolt and remove the spring and stretch it till it measures . 550 and see if that helps. It cured my lousy power problem. Put a rag under the banjo bolt to catch the 2 sealing washers if they fall. The overflow valve controls fuel pressure.

 

[mhcrane]

thanks for all the help and advise. Ill let you know how it works out.

 

[MHixson]

Hey guys, new to the board and enjoy reading all the great posts. I did a search to find this thread. My truck has lost power and i can't get much more than 12 or 15 lbs of boost. I have had the truck for 5 years and this truck has stunned many. To look at everything it seems to be stock. It normally runs 28 - 30 lbs boost and has always ran great till the other day. I have checked all boots/hoses, had the turbo off and checked to see if the waste gate was stuck open. I checked the line from the manifold to the AFC and it is good. Any more ideas on where to look? The truck has 150k miles on it. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Deezul1]

When my 96 did that it was the overflow valve. Pull the spring and measure it. It should be . 500 long. If not then stretch it to . 550 and try it and replace the valve if that cures it.

 

[Deezul1]

MHixson

see my post above about the overflow valve, my 96 did the same thing

 

[MHixson]

Deezul1, thanks for the help. I just came in from doing what you suggested. The spring was just under . 500, I stretched it and drove the truck. Noticable difference at lower RPM; I can feel the turbo kick in again but the power/boost starts to die off again and after that. Will replacing the valve fix this as well or do you suspect something else wrong with the pump? Where can I find the valve for replacement? Thanks agian for your help, much appreciated.

 

[Deezul1]

Piers has a good price on them. I would suggest a fuel pressure gauge install to check this out. It sounds like the overflow valve is bad so do it anyway but put a gauge on it first to see what the before and after pressures are. Hard to say what else might be wrong with out making sure pressures are up to spec as these truck like the pressure where its supposed to be.