Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Am I paranoid or what?

[jpolston]

My truck seems to not "Run just right", it seems a little louder than it used to (exhaust wise under the hood not valve trane and not at the exhaust tip) and doesn't seem to have quiet as much power. The mileage is good. (18mpg) The lift pump was replaced ~1000mi. ago. I just finished a 350 mi. run at 2500-3100 rpm extended running. (unloaded)



The tach needle is not steady (bouncy at idle), the cruise seems to hunt a little when running at 60 mph (was always steady before, as best I can remember). Could I be having waste gate problems?



Is it my imagination or is the truck changing with age?(49000mi. ) Has anyone else experienced this? I have ordered a service manual, but it has not come in yet. Any suggestions?

 

[jrandol]

Originally posted by jpolston

My truck seems to not "Run just right", it seems a little louder than it used to (exhaust wise under the hood not valve trane and not at the exhaust tip) and doesn't seem to have quiet as much power. The fuel milage is fine. The lift pump was replaced ~1000mi. ago. I just finished a 350 mi. run at 2500-3000 rpm extended running. (unloaded)



The tach needle is not steady (idles a little rough), the cruise seems to hunt a little when running at 60 mph (was always steady before, as best I can remember).



Is it my imagination or is the truck changing with age?(49000mi. ) Could I be having waste gate problems? Has anyone else experienced this? I have ordered a service manual, but it has not come in yet. Any suggestions?

Holy Smokes! 350 miles @ 2500-3000 rpm unloaded with your 3. 54 gears. How fast where you driving??

 

[jpolston]

I was in a hurry! The traffic was light and all interstate. Let's just say " there was no grass growing under the tires "

 

[Joe Mc]

As far as the noise under hood/exhaust - check exhaust manifold for cracks / tightness (be carefull not to overtighten not sure of torque #'s) just check. Usually cracks are between cyls 3 and 4 (if I recall correctly).



As far as idle - check tightness of intake, air horn and turbo hoses. I don't "think" the waste gate would come into play at idle unless it was sticking open??? Not sure?



Hey hows that IAT - clean or dirty - since you're there it only takes a few moments to check.



MHO - Hope this helps a little.

 

[jpolston]

Thanks, Joe. I had not thought of a cracked manifold, I will check it thouroughly tomorrow.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Originally posted by jpolston

I was in a hurry! The traffic was light and all interstate.

Dayummm!





About 4 million people





Packed into



A Land Area

31,113 square miles



CRUIZIN'! #ad




Exhaust brake sticking?



Another quite simple but so easily overlooked is the air filter itself (A clogged filter will labor a turbo at idle and change it's sound) and obviously hurt perf.



I agree to check intake plumbing , easy way to check for exhaust mfld cracks is grab a make up mirror from the ol' lady or if you have an inspection mirror look for soot trails under where the turbo is mounted to the mfld and along those areas.