Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Low power issues

[BSowers]

MORE. I want more... . OK OK, dont we all.



I just had a Goerend basic transmission installed. THAT resolved the shifting issues. Can o worms theory prevails. Since then I have had low power issues. First it was while hauling my butt camping in the sierras with my daughter and friend, a cabover and trailer. While nearing Placerville I was obtaining sub sonic speeds of 35 going up hill on the freeway. (I had alrerady replaced the fuel filter. ) Reached Hangtown by 6pm, had nav system in hand so I looked up transmission shops. Mike at Cottmans was there and he said to bring it by... . after hours mind you. He drove it and said transmission was fine, and that I had a fueling problem. He recommended Blue Oval and Wards automotive.

Being 7 at night no diesel shop was open so we camped at camp Kmart



At midnight a glorified vacuum and leaf blower worked the parking lot and a garbage truck emptied bin 30 ft away at 4am. :{



At 830 after breakfast at Starbucks I went in search of Blue Oval. They are well liked... . the receptionist started looking at her calendar... Remember, I'm in transit and I forgot my TDR Travel Companion darn it. I thanked her and went on to Wards. Here I was traveling down residential roads and come upon a clean shop next to a house with a CTD in drive and Pac Brake/ Banks signage on shop. Mr Ward Sr looked at the truck and within 5 minutes diagnosed a bent fuel linkage. Great man. He was underpaid for his diagnosis and repair.

We made it up Ice House road just fine. Oo.

On the way home the alternator started failing. It's amazing how far one can drive just on batteries. Got replacement Gen and am thinking of forgoing the core charge of $50 and get me a set of brushes to have a spare gen.

Wellllll now I am still having power issues. The truck starts up usually with a flick of the keys, engine runs smooth and does get up and go from a signal but not with any flash of speed. It also lacks power going uphill. The boost that I used to get 32 psi only goes to 17 and EGT reach ~875 . I pulled the Prefilter, replaced screen and removed heater to no avail.

Any ideas?

 

[K5IP]

Generally, low boost accompanied by higher than usual egt's are caused leaks, usually in the flexable interchanger hoses. (Often clamps )

Low boost accompanied by lower than usual egt's lead to restricted fuel conditions.

Is the 875 higher or lower than usual?

Rog

 

[BSowers]

The EGTs are lower than can be attained. I was thinking along the same limes... . fuel restriction/starvation. This condition happened afterr my transmission was replaced. I'm hoping they ... . wellll I'm not sure which way I hope considering the alternatives but might they have banged the fuel line while installing transmission? I've looked at the lines and see why others grumble at replacing the "rubber" lines just before the prefilter. If it isnt a crimped metal line, where else should I look for restriction?

Brian

 

[McLaughlin]

As suggested, I'd start with a real close look at the rubber boost hoses. Especially the ones by the alternator. Cheap and fairly easy check.
You could do a flow check on the fuel pump to see the flow rate is where it should be, that should give you an idea if you have a bent/crimped line.
Is it smoking? Most times if you see white smoke, especially at start up, you got air leak in the low pressure fuel system.
If you can you might check the timing.
If you can check your fuel pressure it might indicate if you have an overflow valve problem.

 

[K5IP]

I think it might be worth your trouble to actually measure the fuel pressure on the output side of the lift pump. That will tell you very quickly if you are on the right track. If pressures are normal, that would eliminate lift pump, overflow valves and other restrictions. After that it's beyond me.

Rog