Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) low power

[bradyw]

I pulled an empty dump trailer today and in 4&5th it will bareley get up too 55 or 60. It sounds and feels good but it takes the hole peddle. would a plugged cat or exhaust do this its like half dead until u let off and it picks up. Starts up fine. Also would the intank screen do this. What about the gov. or the overflow valve.

 

[KRStone]

Inadequate fuel, torn intercooler boost hoses, afc diaphram, poor fuel pressure, dirty clogged intake air filter

 

[Missouri Mule]

I doubt governor but overflow valve is a possibility. How does it run with out a trailer on it will it get over 55-60 mph.

Does your throttle linkage have full travel?



Need to do fuel pressure test. You can rule out overflow valve or lift. pump.

20 to 25 psi at idle, when increasing rpm fuel pressure should go up at 2000 rpm should be 30 to 35 psi.



If fuel pressure is off sqeeze return fuel line (rubber part) with pliers if pressure goes up your problem is overflow valve(stuck open), if doesn't go up or goes up slowly it is you lift pump.



If fuel pressure is to high overflow valve could be stuck closed.

 

[JMcCoy]

I would do all the standard maintainance, including valve adjustment, and then hit the bigger stuff. When the same thing happened to me, it turned out to be a pin hole leak in the fuel return line. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[bradyw]

Today i took a drive with the same trailer loaded with steel drove ok for about 2miles then i turned around and headed home and couldnt get it to 55 when i went down hill it took of (dah) but felt good then leveled off and did the same. I did notice empty rpms only go to 2750 and pullin hard to get2250. Dont mean to bug everybody just tryin to pin piont before i dig in. Would the in take screen do this ive replace the fuel filter and cleaned the prescreen. I remember seeing somebody talkin about an easy to make fuel gauge here or in a issue. I guess ill drop tank and clean screen then ill try fuel return line and replace all fuel lines from tank can i use napa hose just to see if that is the problem or is it not worth it. Thankx everbody

 

[surfbeetle]

Also check the fuel shutoff solenoid, if it's not opening all of the way, you won't get full fueling.

 

[JMcCoy]

If your turning that many rpms, you may want to consider a govener spring kit. Your fuel pump is de-fueling at that those, high for stock, rpms.

 

[bradyw]

On the fuel shut off if its not opening all the way should i be able to reach in there and help it up or is it going to feel pretty solid. I tried to move but seems solid.

 

[surfbeetle]

On mine, the fuel solenoid was able to be further moved up when I tried. Mine actually came apart where the linkage came out of the solenoid so the fuel lever was not being pulled all of the way up. I don't remember what the spec is but there is a specified amount of movement that the lever should travel when actuated.

 

[Dieseldemon]

Is this a calif engine w/egr?

 

[bradyw]

No 215 hp were only offered out of ca. It seems like its starving for fuel. Thankx for the thoughts. Any ideas are appreciated

 

[bradyw]

Just had a thought what about plugged vent in the tank. I dont have any problem with starting. No fuel leaks.

 

[Dieseldemon]

The 215 was manuf in ca as of 8/95 thru 12/95 so when was yours manuf and is it a ca truck? The only 12v 215 offrted in ca was the early 96

 

[KRStone]

Did you check the boost hoses for cracking? What was the fuel pressure? Was the air filter clean?



Do a search about AFC diaphram (sp?), problems can occur there too.

 

[bradyw]

My build date is 5/22/97. But it says it had fed. emissions and it also said something about oklahoma state code. It also mentioned about delete evap control system what is that? Does that help

 

[surfbeetle]

Yes it does, just trying to ensure that you don't have California EGR valve model truck and the problems that go along with it.

 

[bradyw]

Thank u for the thought. This morning it felt pretty good when the air was cold and humid but on the way home same old in 5th gear have to push smooth and slow to feel any power.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Have you checked your throttle linkage to make sure it is not binding and has full travel. Just throwing out another idea. Did you do fuel pressure test yet?

 

[Dieseldemon]

On the back side of the afc is a fitting that has an orfice in it that dampens the pressure to the AFC some times that gets plugged up and will not allow the afc to turn up the fuel that will affect the power a lot take the plastic line off the fitting and remove the fitting to check for a pluged orfice.

 

[tp0d]

If you have 250k on her, and havent changed the overflow valve, I would definitely start there. Very simple, and cheap. Stretching the spring can be a troubleshooting tool, but I wouldnt use it like that, only testing. From what Ive seen, overflow valves typically last 100k.

-j