Help, what am I missing?

[Jeff Burke]

Installed a #6 TST ('96 auto) plate today. I must be missing something, cause I got the same performance from my stock plate. I thought I follwed the directions, installed the plate in the stock position, slid the housing forward, installed the elbow. Took the truck out, and blah performance. Adjusted AFC several times, lots of smoke and no real power gain. Moved the plate all the way forward, and slid the housing back a little, and still nothing. What gives? I will be installing an AFC spring kit tomorrow, I was too pi$$ed tonight. HELP!!

[This message has been edited by Jeff Burke (edited 03-28-2001). ]

 

[Big John]

Jeff. you are right. You missed something or something else is wrong. Give us some EGT and boost readings. Something to help diagnos the problem. This plate will make a definite difference when all is worked out.

Was boost elbow installed properly? Re-read instructions after you have calmed down!>!>!

Good luck

Big John

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'94 2500 Diesel Reg. Cab
Auto 3. 54 4X4 TST 230hp
"If you can't Dodge it, Ram it!
'96 2500 diesel clubcab 4x4 5speed

 

[Jeff Burke]

I know I broke a hard and fast rule about bombing, but I started without the gauges. I have been waitng 3 weeks for gauges, and couldn't hold out any longer. As far as the boost elbow, there's only one way to install it, at least that I could see. I'm planning on trying again tonight.

 

[Joe G.]

Jeff,

How does it perform after the TCC locks up? The stock torque converter just uses the extra power to heat up the ATF quicker.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[Jeff Burke]

No real difference either before or after lockup. transmission was rebuilt with a ProTorq TC.

 

[Joe G.]

Are you getting full throttle with the lever against the stop on the pump?

 

[Jeff Burke]

Not completely sure about full throttle, I think so, but I'll have to check tonight.

 

[Joe G.]

I almost forgot. There are a couple of small screws with 8mm heads the fasten the lever on the linkage to the lever on the pump. They could be loose. Also check all clamps on the intercooler pipes. Could be leaking your boost away.

 

[Jeff Burke]

All the clamps on the intercooler lines have been checked.

 

[Jeff Burke]

Just an update, I went through the things I discussed with Mark from TST, turbo lines, return valve. No luck. I pulled the plate back out, and will wait for the gauges. Hopefully they will help.

 

[Skydiver]

Very good topic,sorry that it is happening to you Jeff. Keep us informed as to the solution.
1. Make sure your waste-gate is not staying open all the time.
2. Does your turbo sound like it is spooling up normal?
3. How many miles since your air filter has been maintained?
Question. what did you do to your transmission to handle the extra power? I might plan to do this with my 96 some day.
Last but not least,Until guages arrive put a brick under the fuel pedal. 1300 degrees can come on real quick.
Tim

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1996 3500 Feline deceased. Ready to upgrade. 87K. auto,3. 54,Ext. cab.
K&N air,Star wheel spun,silencer ring hanging on a nail.
Truck looks just like the truck on left side of page 6 issue 31.
1981 mercedes 300D Non-turbo 174K miles
1987 blue phord 2810 tractor 336 hours.

 

[Jeff Burke]

Skydiver,

I just got off the phone with Mark at TST, and he had some suggestions, one being to check the wastegate also. The turbo spools up fine, no real change there. The filter is checked about every 3,000 miles with the oil being changed (K&N). As far as the transmission, I had it rebuilt at Jannetty's recently, the whole thing. Hopefully, the gauges will be here in about a week, or I will find somewhere else to get from.

 

[zzman]

Jeff, what plate are you replacing?
Are you sure it is a stock plate?

Don't mean to butt in here,
was just passing thru, didn't see
anyone mention what plate you have.

good luck,

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97 3500 SLT REDext cab duelly p/u 5sp 3:54 2wd 245/75R16
3" straight exhaust stock torque plate slid full foward star wheel tweeked
105,000 miles still with plenty of ZOOM... ZOOM... ZOOM

RON Z

 

[Jeff Burke]

ZZman, you aren't butting in. The plate I was replacing is a stock plate. Since I really don't know what the stock plate looks like, that is my assumption. Everything else is stock, that I know of. So, in answer to your question, no I'm not 100% sure the plate is stock. Any suggestions?

 

[Joe G.]

Jeff,

The stock plate has a couple of rivits. An after market plate is one piece welded.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[Jeff Burke]

From your description, I do have the stock plate in.