High altitude choke

[Hombre]

Just got back from a 3000 mile trip to Steamboat Springs, C. O. Truck ran great at low altitudes, but once in the Rockies, especially around the Eisenhower Tunnel, this thing would barely get up to 60 MPH. Once the truck is in overdrive no problems. Accelerating hard in first, no prob. But, second, and third, it would choke bad. Just wondering if anyone else has had this prob. Thanks... ... .....

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Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,AT,3. 54,4X4,DK GARNET,AGATE,LOADED,

 

[HC]

prob. But, second, and third, it would choke bad. Just wondering if anyone else has had this prob. Thanks...

Good news / Bad news
Good news is, no, your truck should run great at altitude - that is one of the advantages of turbocharging, altitude doesn't affect it as much.
Bad news is, now you have to figure out why yours is doing that.
P. S. - I'm not just trying to be a smart***, I just assume someone else with greater knowledge will be filling in the details soon. Good Luck!


[This message has been edited by HC (edited 01-02-2001). ]

 

[B.G. Smith]

You might need to change your fuel filter. Also make sure the hoses on the line from the turbo to the intercooler and into the intake of the engine are not leaking. I didn't have any trouble in the Rockies but recently, while trying to pass on the freeway going up a pretty good grade in southeast Missouri, mine was gasping for breath. Changed the fuel filter, end of problem. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 100 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[Hombre]

I'll give those a try. But it seemed like someone else had this problem, but they were running DDIII's. My truck is stock, so that was my concern.

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Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,AT,3. 54,4X4,DK GARNET,AGATE,LOADED,

 

[LSMITH]

I have driven the EXACT same stretch of road with my truck and I had no problems. At that altitude the turbo lag was pretty bad, but once she got some air there was little if any difference in power. I went into the tunnel both ways at 65 in OD and lots of pedal left. I agree that the fuel filter is the first suspect. I have had filters clogged and it runs great at lower RPM but has no power at higher RPM. Once I had wax on my filter that made it look like it had been dipped in snot and it wouldn't pull at all over 1500,but a clogged filter has never caused a miss or stumble in my truck

 

[C Schomer]

Hombre, what were you towing/hauling? I get down to 65 at the tunnel with my 5th wh. . Craig

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97 3/4Ton, 2WD, 5SP, #11 Plate, AFC kit, 14 Housing, AF942M Air filter, Gutted Cat, 4"From Turbo, Airlift, Shortened Frame, Custom Bed, HEY FORDBOY POWERSTROKE THIS!

 

[Hombre]

Craig, All I had was our ski equipment and travel gear in the bed. I have a cap on the bed to keep things covered. Thats it. I have sinced changed the fuel filter, but Im having the same problem. I havent had the time yet to take it to the dealer, but Im still diving it daily. 41,000 miles 14 months old!! Its still all stock but the muffler is gone. I hope it is not the lift pump. By the way, is the lift pump located next to the fuel filter? I was thinking of HVAC'S Holly he installed. I think it was fairly cheap, dunno yet.

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Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,AT,3. 54,4X4,DK GARNET,AGATE,LOADED,

 

[StakeMan]

I run that trip a lot. My family lives in Craig. Your truck should do great up both passes. Mine can get near triple digit speeds up to the tunnel empty. That is where I like to test any modifications I make to the truck.

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2001 Flame Red Sport, Auto, 4. 10, 4x4, LOADED!, DC Sport Brush Gaurd, DC Painted Running Boards, DC Splash Gaurds, Line-x over the rails, BFG AT/KO 285-75r16

1998 Durango SLT+

2000 FL60, 16 ft. Flatbed, Cat Powered

 

[DHatfield]

My truck went up that pass at 65-70 MPH with my Jeep and trailer (about 6000 lbs).

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2001 2500HD Quad Cab SLT SB 4x4, HO Cummins, 6-speed, 3. 55 gears, LSD, brightwhite/driftwood, 4w ABS, camper and trailer tow packages, HD transfer case, snow plow prep, group, cab lights, Isspro Boost and Pyrometer gauges mounted on A-pillar, 4" JRE exhaust, BD exhaust brake. 22500 miles as of 11/11/00.

1980 CJ-5, Modified for off-road use, bobbed fenders, 350 TBI, NP435 trans, 4. 56 gears, Dana 300, Dana 44 front, Dana 60 reverse-cut rear axle, ARB air lockers front and rear, 15/35/15 Super Swamper TSL on 10X15 steel rims, Cobra CB, Warn 9000I winch, nerf bars, 1/4" steel rock crawler bumper front and rear, jerri can/spare tire rack, custom roll cage.

 

[Ram_Kowboy]

I'm just thinking out loud here... . Do you have a boost gauge? I am thinking low boost. First check the filter minder. Is it in the normal operating position? Next, check the hoses between the turbo and intake manifold. I have seen several of them leaking. Most times just have to loosen the clamp and reposition the hose, then retighten. Next possibility, waste gate stuck.
I'm thinking that at low boost conditions the truck is running okay, you wouldn't notice. But at high boost you may be having some leaks or something and not getting the boost we all love.
Good Luck,
RK

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98 Properly Valved 4x4 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior, DC nerf bars, DC two piece mud-flaps, 275 h. p. injectors, Monroe Gas Magnums, Armor Tuff spray in bed liner, Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16, BD Heavy Duty Valve body. Walker 21468 thru flow muffler,Cobra 29 NWST CB. American Racing Wheels. Power Edge EZ control module.

[This message has been edited by Ram_Kowboy (edited 01-08-2001). ]

 

[HeberRam]

Hombre. . I live in high elevations with no problem... Had an injection pump go out and the symtoms were about the same except it got worst. You could have either a transfer pump problem(thats the one by your fuel filter) or an injection pump problem(that"s the one near the front of the engine) where all the fuel lines come from to your injectors. In any case you should still be under warranty.

 

[Hombre]

HeberRam, Thats my thinking lately. I still have not taken it in yet, but the stumble is starting to get worse, back here at home. I'll get it in this week and post an update... ... ... ... .....