Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Air Filter collapsing

[john colgan]

I'm having problems with one of our trucks that I cannot seem to cure. It's a 98 12v with a 5 speed. The filter is getting sucked into the air box. The turbo was replaced about a year ago. All the intercooler hoses are good and are tight. It is straight piped from turbo to tailpipe. The truck seems low on power compared to when we bought it. I can't seem to tell if it is fuel or boost related. The turbo was replaced because it had oil on the outlet to the intercooler. Fuel filter/screen are new. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

 

[budctdca]

What kind of filter are you running? There is definitely a quality difference among filter manufacturers. Do you have gauges to monitor boost and EGT? If you are running the stock airbox, I would put in a BHAF, K&N, AFE or Scotty to help flow the air better. Also make sure the housing lid is seating correctly on the filter. Hope this helps.

Luke

 

[john colgan]

When we got the truck, it had a K&N in it, I have since replaced it with two Fleetgard filters. The truck does not have any gauges as we are running several 12v's & 24v's and I cannot justify that kind of expense. Besides the way the guys abuse these trucks it would only be a matter of time before they destroyed the gauges. The air box does have a crack in it,but I didn't think it would cause this kind of problem. I will try exchanging it with a box from another truck. It almost seems like the air is entering the engine quicker than it can leave it.

 

[tp0d]

If your guy jumps on the throttle a lot, it will suck the filter in easily. Does the filter minder pop out also? Might want to drill a few 1-2" holes in the bottom of the airbox for more flow. I would strongly recommend a BHAF though. It will last longer and give you better flow than the stock setup ever could. They cost almost the same too. The part number for a fleetguard unit is AH19037, and will go in place of the entire airbox. All you have to do is isolate the box mounting bolts with some rubber hose, or a piece of 1x3 as I did...



As for gauges, if you have turned up the fuel in the truck at all, you NEED an egt gauge at the bare minimum. Especially if the truck is used to tow.



The loss in power could be due to your overflow valve, if it hasnt been checked for spring length, I would recommend a check or just replace it. Theres a vendor on the board here that sells em for 35$, cummins wants 80-90+.



good luck



-jerry

 

[GAmes]

If you want to drive about 70 miles I have a stock box, complete with a K&N filter, I'll give you.



Gary