Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) ISB - new territory, got questions

[C Schomer]

My father in law just got a 2k 4x4 3. 54 auto with 51k miles on it. The breather on the front cover has made an oily mess all around the shroud and radiator. It overheat at the drop of a hat, so we made a trip to the carwash to clean out the radiator - oily, sticky dirt and fuzz. The breather hose has a canister - I'm quessing an ill-fated attempt at a mist eliminator. What the fix? I thought of getting some hose and moving the canister back by the transmission. Is there something better? It also runs sick - terrible throttle response. I mean, way worse than just turbo lag - it's guttless. I've only driven one other truck similar to this one and it was way better. I tightened the cooler clamps and fixed those leaks. His turbo is in good shape. It has a recently new Napa gold air filter but it has yellowish spots that smell like oil on it(???). I don't see blowby at the breather. He's got a good CTD mechanic in his town to check it out for ECM problems. I think I've read that if it ever had a power chip installed and removed that the ECM program gets botched and has to be reflashed. He hasn't got gauges, so I can't tell what's going on with egt or boost. Any clues (besides gauges), just in case the mechanic can't find a problem?

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Take the breather bottle off, get a 3/4" double hose fitting and run a length of heater hose STRAIGHT down and cut it off just below the sway bar, that will be the end of your oily mess.

 

[K_Arts]

Originally posted by C Schomer

I think I've read that if it ever had a power chip installed and removed that the ECM program gets botched and has to be reflashed. He hasn't got gauges, so I can't tell what's going on with egt or boost.

First off Craig, I'm sorry to hear about your fathers problems, I hope he gets them fixed.



As far as the ECM goes... don't worry about it. I have had several different boxes installed on multiple ECM's and I have never had any problems as you mentioned.



It probably wouldn't hurt anything to get a good towing reflash done of the ECM, but I highly doubt the ECM is the problem.



The first thing I would look at is the Trans. Being it is an auto there have been some good and bad auto transmissions out there. There could be a possibility that the TC is slipping, or maybe the trans just needs to be adjusted.



One other thought. Do you have any clue what the previous owner did with the truck or if he had any power upgrades? Is it a possibility that maybe the injectors are out of sync, or maybe a bad head gasket?



Kev

 

[Snow man]

Do not get any reflash unless it is absolutely needed. You wil loose up to 3 mpg,and at least 1. 5 mpg at best. I had my 2000 flashed last fall for stalling,and lost 3 mpg,once you get it flashed,you cant have your old flash back,its gone forever along with your mpg. I costs me 20 bucks a month more for fuel on average since i got flashed. Oh yeah,worst part is my truck still stalls,it didnt fix it,its about 50% better but not fixed. Extend the breather like others have said,my 2000 runs hot with no trailer in 95 degree weather(up to 210),and the fan is on constantly with a trailer if its hot out. Have yor father in law change the Tstat some of them werent opening all the way,some of the 2000 were affected by this. It didnt help mine on bit,but was worth trying. You want throttle response,get an edge EZ,after you check your fuel pressures,and change your filters that is. It is unliekly,but yourt wastgate actuator could be partiallly open,either stuck,or broken off,allowing boost to go around the turbo housing,making it very slow to build boost,ive never seen this on a CTD but its possible,check the linkage to see if tis closing all the way. Good luckw ith his new truck.

 

[HVAC]

Craig, the 24v trucks can run fine with the right tuning. A good set of injectors (DD III's would be my choice) and an Edge EZ minimum, Edge Comp if you really want to do the job right. You will need a clutch or VB/TC for sure.

 

[K_Arts]

Craig,



Just another thought. Has your father changed the oil, oil filter and fuel filter? Maybe one of the filters is clogged.



Just a thought



Kev

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

C Schomer,

AT LEAST get a Fuel Pressure gauge. The lift pumps on the 24v are notorious. Pyrometer, fuel pressure and boost gauges are std for a well used truck.



A good airfiter, K&N, AFE, B. H. A. F... . will help spool up. As will a good 4" exhaust. No real power from exhaust but EGTs should drop and it'll sound way cool.



Power!!! the sky's the limit but if he tows with that auto, an Edge EZ and Stage-2 injectors is the max I'd do before swapping the HY35 turbo for a better breathing (HX35,40 B1) setup.



Like they said above the transmission may be an issue. if it's not it will be if it's stock.



Later,

Mark

 

[Snow man]

Mark,he's got a 2000,he should already have the HX35/12 on it. I second what HVAC says about the 24v's doing fine with mods. ,I bought exactly what he said,Edge comp and DD3's from him over a yr ago,and my truck does just fine power wise . Over 400hp at the wheels easliy.

 

[C Schomer]

Thanks a bunch for all the tips! It looks like the dealer changed the oil and filter but not sure about the fuel filter. I have a fuel gauge. I forgot about the lift pump problem on these. Craig