Archived Check gauges light, gauges die, then engine dies?

[c-hawk]

I'm posting this for a friend. He just got his first Cummins truck a week or so ago. He's selling a powerstroke to get it.



This morning, he said he got in the truck, and the check gauges light wouldn' t go out. He noticed that the voltage was only at about 10 instead of 14.



He had to run up to the store, and on the way back, he lost all instrumentation. All the warning lights came on at this time. The truck would miss and sputter like it was getting no fuel, then all of a sudden it would have more power, but still sounded "bad". He said that if he put a load on the electrical system, the motor would get ready to die. like if he turned the a/c on, or tried to roll down the window.



After a few miles, he pulled over and it died completely. won't turn over at all.



A little more info. Truck had a comp, the pump wire was just tapped a few days ago. i could see a dead injection pump causing the truck to miss and die, but the rest of the symptoms don't make sense. I'm thinking maybe an alternator going out could cause all these symptoms?



Any info would be appreciated. I'm hope he doesn't need to take the for sale sign out of the ford and put it in the dodge.



Thanks,

Chris

 

[MKellam]

Well, I have come across several 24-valves that have "burned " the alterantor lead at the rear of the alt. due to poor grounding of the case mainly due to all the clear coat Cummins applies to the motors prior to shipment.

Inspect the pos. lead at the rear of the alternator and see if there is any discoloration of the insuation, if so, repair as neccessary, remove the alternator and sand ALL cotact points of alternator to engine block contact, and as an additional security, attach and "Homemade" ground lead directly to the right side battery.



Let me know how things turn out.

Diesel Mike

-- email address removed --

 

[c-hawk]

Thanks,



I will advise him to check for this. I'm going out of town in the morning, and won't be back until after muncie. I'll be sure to post when i get back... assuming he's got it figured out by then.





Chris