Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How do you check the wastegate actuator ?

[GAmes]

Do you have a link to the FSM so I can pull that up ?

1999 Dodge Ram Factory Service Manual USB (genosgarage.com)

1999 Dodge Ram Factory Service Manual (genosgarage.com)

I prefer the print copy but if you have a printer, a lot of ink and the time the USB will work just fine.

 

[Ozymandias]

OZY I was wondering if I could just pinch off the pressure line going to the actuator and would it accomplish the same as wiring back the actuator rod??

No that won't work as you want to keep the valve shut against the drive pressure from the exhaust.
This is normally accomplished by the spring inside but if for any reasons that spring became weak we ruled that out by holding it in the closed position with wire.

By the way, the wastegate opens very little under full boost, maybe a 1/16" is enough to let the boost come down to the desired level. The movement is barely visible.

 

[gtwitch]

Thanks OZY With further testing and observation, I have gone backwards and suspect fueling issues maybe caused by MAP sensor, not confirmed yet as I will be installing the Boost pressure gauge probably tomorrow but could also be APPS but I replaced that sometime in the last 8 years but who knows (the shadow knows) I have a MAP sensor in my cart in AMAZON $24
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[gtwitch]

Further observations here are as follows. lack of black exhaust when I have no or very little boost, when I feel boost there is some black exhaust on the Low end until the turbo boost comes up and the black smoke goes away and stays away until the next start up and I feel no boost on acceleration and also no black exhaust. Hence I am thinking fueling issue. I will still tie the actuator rod and go that way also. also I have noticed the fuel economy has gone up from about 19.5 to about 23 mpg on the gauge
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[gtwitch]

Not to optimistic here, when the new MAP sensor comes next Wed but, Ill replace that, then another test drive, learned long time ago , make one change at a time and move on in the troubleshooting !!
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[petersonj]

I re-read the earlier posts. On one of the posts I asked if your had checked for codes. I didn't see an answer for that question, or if you have installed your boost gauge. Codes need no be checked using a quality scanner. Some scanners will not read all codes.

- John

 

[gtwitch]

Thanks John! I will get my son who has scanner, read codes, I received the MAP sensor yesterday , so back together and on the test drive , I will get the codes read, I assume the triple key on-off does not work on my 99 I know that changed somewhere in the 2000 timeframe.
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[gtwitch]

Well I received the MAP sensor from AMAZON (KMsensors from China) and it had the Cummins # on the box made in and shipped from China and as you might expect, the sensor would not screw into the head of my 99 Cummins, Wrong thread and size not even close!! I have spent another 1/2 hour getting the refund going and have already ordered another sensor from Frist Truck Parts as GENO's did not have them in stock, 2 weeks out ! Guess this just the way it is!! in todays world. Live and Learn as we go!
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[Topzide]

Gotta watch what you order on Amazon! You could open the box to who knows what someone returned!
Like you said "Live and Learn".

 

[LorenStrodtman]

I will get my son who has scanner, read codes

I highly recommend obtaining an OBDLink LX so you can read codes and watch some live data, such as reported boost and throttle position, along with MANY other bits of information. I have one and it's great. Modern cars will need the MX+, so upgrade to that one if you have more modern vehicles in your fleet. I also have one of these, has paid for itself over and over by not replacing good parts.