Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 2nd Gear Manual Start....

[CumminsPuller]

About a month ago I purchased a 97' California version... . In the past (my previous trucks) I would always start off from a light, etc. in 2nd gear. If I remember correctly this is also suggested in the owners manual when unloaded. When I first purchased the truck everything seemed to be normal. Now it seems like it is going to stall when doing second gear starts or seems to bog down the engine more than normal..... This truly could me my imagination but I am still very skeptical. The last time I drove the truck I got in the habit of giving it a bit on the go pedal from a start in second gear. The truck really only gets used maybe once every couple of weeks as my wife and I both drive company vehicles. The only thing that has been done by myself since the purchase is removing the turbo ring, changing the oil and fuel filter. Any opinions or ideas are more than welcome...

Jason

 

[Nyoest]

Is it a 3. 55 gear ratio? Mines a 4. 10 and every time I get in a 3. 55 truck I almost stall it from letting the clutch out too fast in second.

What is your idle speed? If its low it could be contributing to the stumble as well.

 

[CumminsPuller]

It is a 3. 55. So maybe it is my imagination. Out of curiosity what is the idle supposed to be?


Jason

 

[Nyoest]

Could be. But you know a fuel plate would help launch it sooo much better... .....

 

[CumminsPuller]

So true. I do need to get rid of the California EGR crap... . But for now she will remain stock until spring other than a stereo upgrade. As of now I have drivers door speakers not working. What should the idle speed supposed to be out of curiosity?



Jason

 

[Nyoest]

Mmmmm I can't recall exactly and it's too cold to look at my truck tonight. I do know that it's on the engine data plate on the timing housing just ahead of the p pump. Anytime I put a new pump on they are always about two needle widths below 1,000 rpm.

 

[GOlsen]

It is a 3. 55. So maybe it is my imagination. Out of curiosity what is the idle supposed to be?


Jason

Idle should be 750-800 RPM in Neutral with the A/C on.

Ram Diesel Problems

 

[Dr.Bob]

Turn your star wheel towards the motor a little.

 

[CumminsPuller]

Dr. Bob,



How do you quantify 'A Little'? If the star wheel has to be altered, are you recommending to do this to 'fix' the issue? Or just to get past the 'fear' I may have of it stalling? If the pump has never been tampered with, by doing this are we not bypassing the the true issue, if there truly is an issue that my be caused by something else?



Jason

 

[Mhannink]

Its probably the truck mine has been like you described. Even with all of the mods I have done. My cousins 97 is the same way, mine was ca emmisions the other was not. I wouldn't worry about it I just throttle it a little to maintain idle speed as I take off in 2nd, my cousin starts in 1stthe his has 3. 55. Just run it and bomb it and enjoy it.



Side note on my truck it seems to be better sometimes than others

 

[JKosten]

I personally bumped the idle to 800 - 850. Partially because of the 15. 5 deg timing and because it just seemed to run better. I can still stall the motor when letting the clutch out to fast though.



Also I have to almost always start in 1st gear, but I think it may have something to do with 35" tires and 3. 55 gears :-laf



As for the CA crap, find an high flow intake and remove the egr tube. Just make a block off plate for the exhaust or upgrade to a multi-piece manifold. My computer does store an egr code but does not trigger the engine light.

 

[Dr.Bob]

Turn it up until you get light black smoke at take off, if you are getting a lot of black smoke turn it back.

 

[Bob4x4]

I personally bumped the idle to 800 - 850. Partially because of the 15. 5 deg timing and because it just seemed to run better. I can still stall the motor when letting the clutch out to fast though.



Also I have to almost always start in 1st gear, but I think it may have something to do with 35" tires and 3. 55 gears :-laf



As for the CA crap, find an high flow intake and remove the egr tube. Just make a block off plate for the exhaust or upgrade to a multi-piece manifold. My computer does store an egr code but does not trigger the engine light.

The 96's trip the code for egr,the 97 also turn on the light

 

[JKosten]

The 96's trip the code for egr,the 97 also turn on the light

Good to know. You have a wealth of info OMB!