2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Have a slew of questions re. my new truck...

[EKoster]

Ok, after driving for a few days, I have a few questions:



1. Is there a general issue with the steering on these trucks as far as they seem to "wander" a little when driving straight?



2. Does anyone have any recommendations on oil filters, fuel filters(or replacement units, see below) and, I know, oil?



3. I read some TSB about the thermostat and hearing non-normal sounds from the engine while under load. I've noticed that my truck seems to make extra noises when in longer gears when the pedal is to the mat. I thought maybe I have the thermostat that needs to be replaced. The truck normally runs right below 190 when driving around, and will sometimes drop below that if sitting.



4. Is there much benefit to changing the intercooler to an aftermarket piece? If so, what brand can you recommend?



5. Is it normal for the tach to "hunt" around a little bit while the truck is idling?



6. I've noticed that after driving at freeway speeds for awhile, when I slow down and engine speeds are down, if I turn the steering wheel a lot one way or the other, I can hear and feel and SLIGHT groan/moan in the steering. Is this normal, or do I have a problem.



7. How can I identify what my gear ratio is?



8. Is anyone running a fuel preporator (fuel pump, filter and air separator unit). If so, have you noticed any benefit? I want to replace my lift pump in the hopes that I might be able to avoid ruining my IP, and I thought this might be the way to go.



Any input is greatly appreciated.



Thanks



Eric

 

[DieselMinded]

Ill Try to help



Have a slew of questions re. my new truck...

Ok, after driving for a few days, I have a few questions:



1. Is there a general issue with the steering on these trucks as far as they seem to "wander" a little when driving straight?



2nd gen trucks up to 2001 have a known "stearing Wander Issue" search Tdr ... . Get the tires ballanced and the truck lined up is a good start.



2. Does anyone have any recommendations on oil filters, fuel filters(or replacement units, see below) and, I know, oil?



Oil Filters ... . FLEET GUARD Fuel Filters ... . FLEET GUARD Dealer to use . http://www.scheiddiesel.com/filters.htm#Oil & Fuel Filters



3. I read some TSB about the thermostat and hearing non-normal sounds from the engine while under load. I've noticed that my truck seems to make extra noises when in longer gears when the pedal is to the mat. I thought maybe I have the thermostat that needs to be replaced. The truck normally runs right below 190 when driving around, and will sometimes drop below that if sitting.







4. Is there much benefit to changing the intercooler to an aftermarket piece? If so, what brand can you recommend?



Why would you want to ?? I know Banks has one



5. Is it normal for the tach to "hunt" around a little bit while the truck is idling?



According how much is a little bit ... ... May be you Intake Heaters ,, A/c Compresser ,,,, or a Number of other things



6. I've noticed that after driving at freeway speeds for awhile, when I slow down and engine speeds are down, if I turn the steering wheel a lot one way or the other, I can hear and feel and SLIGHT groan/moan in the steering. Is this normal, or do I have a problem.







7. How can I identify what my gear ratio is?



Old window sticker is where I found mine Im not sure where/if its located on the truck





8. Is anyone running a fuel preporator (fuel pump, filter and air separator unit). If so, have you noticed any benefit? I want to replace my lift pump in the hopes that I might be able to avoid ruining my IP, and I thought this might be the way to go.



BUY A FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE FIRST ... then look in to the options for fuel supply... . http://3d.otisnet.net/fuel_delivery.htm





Any input is greatly appreciated.



I did what I could Remember to visit 3D for alot of info about your new truck ... www.3d.otisnet.net



Thanks



DM

 

[boondock]

For the fuel pressure guage make sure you have a in cab guage as you can check it while idleing and everything will be fine sometimes but WOT it can drop to low.



Gear ratio check under you hood. Open the hood and look straight up and its like a options list.



If the tach is hunting around 50 or so rpms I would say that is normal any more than that is not so normal.



Hope that helps and good luck.

 

[trqmnstr]

If the gear ratio is not under the hood, it's in the glove box. My tach bobbles too. I read the reason for it somewhere. I wouldn't worry unless it is a considerable amount.

 

[EKoster]

i just remember reading something about a crank or cam position sensor going bad that could cause the tach fluctuations, and then lead to something more serious. BTW - the power steering pump was a little low, so I topped it off and I'll see if it still does the same thing tomorrow.

 

[DieselMinded]

If your CPS is going south your AC wont work and your alternator wont charge ... . from what Ive Read.



Are you just looking for something to fix ?? if so get you a set of gauges @ Genos and start there.



DM

 

[SMolteberg]

I'l have a go at # 6

Check your powersteering-fluid, most likely it's low. The groan are usually airbubles in the fluid.



-stig

 

[EKoster]

i just want to make sure everything is in good shape. i bought this thing from a stealership and i don't know much about the history on the truck...

 

[JCyrbok]

My truck has "wandered" since new even with alingnments.



My tach has "bounced" by about 25-50rpms +/- since new. My understanding is that the ECM adjusts timing hundreds of times a second and that is what causes the bounce at idle.



I have a FASS system which has given me piece of mind, better filtering (2 micron) air removal, and a slightly smoother idle. I have maybe notice about 1/2 mile per gallon better, but have not had it on long enough to to check and see if the average keeps up.



I have the groan/vibration in the steering when turning, but mine is all the time, I'm guessing univeral joints, but havent gotten around to checking them yet.



Also very first thing you do should be a fuel pressure gauge.



As for filters, cant go wrong with Fleetgaurd, they are owned by Cummins and top the short list of approved filters.



Oil i'm not gonna comment on for fear of a War! LOL. I run a full synthetic with a

by- pass filter and get about 25k between changes with analysis.



Also fill out your truck profile, or atleast put what year your truck is in your post. Some of the info pertaints to certain model years etc. It helps you get the best answer for your trucks problems, Just a hint



As for the other questions you had, I dont have any info on.



Hope this helps.

J-

 

[Ereynolds72]

Something I've gotten into the habit of doing is replacing the steering fluid frequently. You can't change it all like this but if you do it often you can keep ahead of the bad fluid. I bought one of those suction pumps (looks like a grease gun) from NAPA. Stick the tube into the reservoir and suck out as much as you can. Then replace with the appropriate fluid. Before I started this routine I was having the steering groans too but this has helped a lot.



As far as the wandering goes... does it pull one way or the other? Sometimes they'll adjust caster to compensate for road crown. Make sure your caster settings are about 3. 5 - 5. 5 degrees positive and you toe-in is set correctly. Obviously worn steering components won't help matters either. Get good E Rated tires too.