Archived Loss of Power

[RON'S RAM]

Need help diagnosing a no power problem that started yesterday. Nothing has changed except for a full tank of fuel approximately 100 miles ago. Truck starts & runs fine, just no power. Boost would normally go to 31, but now struggles to get to 15. I can hear the normal turbo whine, but don't have the power increase that normally goes along with it I don't think there is much if any smoke either. I replaced the fuel filter & air filter to see if that was the problem , but no difference. I have checked the fuel strainer a few times & it has always been spotless. Didn't check it for this problem yet. Fuel lines were replaced about 3 years ago. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Boost leak.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[FourBarR]

What he said.

 

[RON'S RAM]

And I would find that HOW?

 

[rotohead]

And I would find that HOW?

Check and re-tighten clamps on all rubber boots from turbo to intake of intercooler to boots out of intercooler to intake horn on manifold. Look for holes in those boots rubbing from transmission cooler hoses/air conditioner hoses, etc. Before cleaning anything look for black residue around all those connections... could be a telltale sign of a air leak. With the noise these engines put out you might not hear it under normal driving conditions. I've also sprayed a soapy liquid around those connections, much like you do looking for a propane leak, and see if you have air bubbles. Power loss can be any number of things. A leak at those locations would certainly be the cheapest fix for your problem. Let's hope that is the case.

Chuck

 

[RON'S RAM]

Thanks Chuck, I'll go check that now.

 

[guh2stroke]

My truck was having the same problems, rlyons replaced my lift pump and that solved it. Just a thought. Alex

 

[RON'S RAM]

All clamps are tight, boots appear to be in good condition. I wondered about the hose from the AFC hosuing to the wastegate actuator. Wouldn't that cause the same problem if that was leaking? Rubber hose appears OK, metal line near wastegate feels pitted, will check in daylight tomorrow. Should I be able to move the wastegate by hand with the actuator attached? I can not budge it, not sure if it is frozen or if there is a strong spring pressure on it. The manual says to apply air pressure to test it. I thought that was controlled with vacuum?? If the wastegate or actuator is stuck, would that cause the low power/boost issue I am having?
Thanks for any advice.
Ron

 

[Missouri Mule]

RON'S RAM, no you shouldn't be able to move the waste gate rod by hand.

 

[RON'S RAM]

Thanks Bill, I'll check it with shop air tomorrow, then try to figure why no power

 

[Signal73]

You can make a simple boost leak tool out of a 4" fernco fitting, and some inexpensive PVC plumbing parts from home depot. Then you can pressurize the entire system and listen for leaks. We have one at the shop in Derby your more then welcome to try if your in the area. If you want to wait til friday, I can get a pic of it and post it so you can get a better idea of what Im talking about.

See ya, Jim

 

[Joe G.]

Your AFC may not be working. When that happens the AFC throttle stop does not move out of the way. The test is easy. Take the AFC off. No need to disconnect it from the hose, just tie it up out of the way. Cover up the hole and go for a test drive. If the AFC was failing the test should cause a LOT of smoke and the truck will haul butt.

 

[RON'S RAM]

You can make a simple boost leak tool out of a 4" fernco fitting, and some inexpensive PVC plumbing parts from home depot. Then you can pressurize the entire system and listen for leaks. We have one at the shop in Derby your more then welcome to try if your in the area. If you want to wait til friday, I can get a pic of it and post it so you can get a better idea of what Im talking about.

See ya, Jim

If you don't mind posting a pic and brief explanation how you use it, that would be great. I wish I was closer to try yours, but I'm as far North East in Ct as you can get.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Signal73]

No problem Ron, will do.

 

[RON'S RAM]

Here's an update: I pressure tested the small lines/hoses and did not find any leaks. I removed the AFC and test drove the truck. Without the AFC I can make lots of black smoke and force up to 18 lbs. of boost. No where near the 30 - 32 that I usually see. The brass boost elbow that feeds the line going to the wastgate has a small hole on the side which leaks air. Looks machined, so I'm guessing it belongs there. The wastegate has very little movement with shop air, not sure if there's a problem with that or how much difference that would make either. Is the wastgate spring loaded open? Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Joe G.]

Ron,



Have you checked the lower boots on the intercooler? Mine had a tear in the driver's side boot. It was hard to see. I found it by poking my finger in it.

 

[RON'S RAM]

You can make a simple boost leak tool out of a 4" fernco fitting, and some inexpensive PVC plumbing parts from home depot. Then you can pressurize the entire system and listen for leaks. We have one at the shop in Derby your more then welcome to try if your in the area. If you want to wait til friday, I can get a pic of it and post it so you can get a better idea of what Im talking about.

See ya, Jim

Did you just make something to go in place of the air filter? How much pressure do you test with?

 

[Signal73]

Made it up to the shop today and took a few pics. I just pressurize it to 15 lbs or so, you will know right away if you have a leak or not.

 

[Signal73]

It goes right on the turbo take of the intake tube. You can probably rig it up without the guage if you have a regulator on your compressor. Heres a closeup of the pipework.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

FILL SLOWLY AND STOP IT IN 5 LB INCREMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!





That one is revision #1 the one TqT made (Original unit) The #2 one we made was to test ONLY the Intercooler and was quickly compromised. The Size of teh Fernco to turbo inlet is close but not exact so it slips a bit.