Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need help! Something wrong w/truck

[elamb]

I was leaving my house today and got about half mile down the road and my truck just lost power, started smoking, and idled really rough. When I pushed the go pedal it wouldn't get over 1500RPM's. When it would start to go it would cut in and out. I turned around and limped it home, shut it down for a few minutes and then cranked it back up, it ran fine. I called the dealer and they said to bring it in so they could check it out. Any help would be appreciated. Sorry so long.



Thanks,

Eric

 

[MidwestMotorman]

winter blues...

How cold is it out there? Usually problems in the colder climates are fuel related. Change your fuel filter, and have your lift pump pressure checked. If it is below 0*, you may have had some fuel gelling. Did you check your airbox for snow? A big winter storm can blow snow into your airbox and plug your airflow! See if it is wet in there, or there is ice inside your fender.

 

[elamb]

Last night it was about 5 degrees with a high today of about 18. I'll check the air box tomorrow. I added some fuel treatment right after this happened and some fresh fuel.



Thanks,

Eric

 

[monkfarm]

at 5 degree: fuel gelling

At about 20 degrees fuel starts gelling. When it starts gelling it does exactly what yours did: no power, will only idle, off and on again running. You were darn lucky you made it back to the house. I had one that quit on me at -20 (below zero) I had asked the fuel stop if the fuel was winterized and the reply was :"Yes indeed!" The truck (4 cylinder toyota diesel) ran slower and slower , pretty soon all it would do was idle. Then it idled slower. I had it towed to my place, put in additive, changed fuel filters. 2 days later, the temp was 30 degrees, it fired right up, and ran like a champ.

 

[illflem]

Sounds like your fuel heater isn't working, even at +5° it shouldn't have clogged your filter. Just keep an anti-gel additive in it and you'll be fine. I run straight #2 with additive in the winter, no problems down to -30°.

 

[mike r]

Gell-y

Hey Ill, can't you use a couple gals of K-1 to keep it from jellying. I prefer strawberry and not No. 2.

 

[monkeyman]

Fuel in Winter

I think that it should be brought up, that in the Winter in cold ares that you buy your Diesel from someone who pumps large quanity's.

I only go to truck stops when it drops below 20.

Webb also makes a fuel/filter heater combo that heats the fuel using your cooling system, I bought one myself on E-bay.

Rick

 

[elamb]

I guess it was fuel gelling. I was afraid it was my LP dying. Bad thing is, I had the fuel additive in my toolbox waiting for it to get cold enough to use it. Guess I waited too long. I didn't think fuel would gel unless it was way below 0. If nothing else I learned something. Thanks for the help.



Eric

 

[jhellmers]

One thing that will tell you if it's gelling or not is to bring the truck into a heated garage for about 1 hour. I had this problem with a previous truck when a snap cold spell caught the local diesel fuel suppliers off-gaurd by not having winterized fuel out yet. The truck died completely (it was a Chevy 6. 2). Took it home on a roll-back (make sure you go onto a roll-back nose-first - if not, the roll-back will do a wheelie!), and rolled it into the garage for about 1 hour. Went down, cranked for about 15 seconds, fired right up and was back to normal (I added some anti-gel for the time-being. ) Just my experence...

 

[Sregorb]

What are you guys using for anti-gel additives? and from where?



Brian

 

[illflem]

I've been happy with Howe's, available at most auto parts and truck stops. Don't know how it would ever pan out but Howe's claims they will pay the towing if your fuel ever gels.

 

[elamb]

After mine gave me trouble Saturday, I put Howe's in mine (I believe thats the name of it). I'm thinking (dangerous) now any time it gets below freezing I will be using an additive.



Thanks,

Eric

 

[monkfarm]

I've used howes, and power service: both seem to work well. I usually use the Amsoil diesel modifier, (never had problems in fact this morning it started 0 degrees without pluging in. ) Better deals are to be had at my local Peterbilt dealer on more comercial additives. They seem to work fine, also

 

[tazzen]

what do you guys think of rotella additive ?



was thinking of using it. i use the rotella oil.



but not sure on there additive.







ed

 

[KatDiesel]

Originally posted by Sregorb

What are you guys using for anti-gel additives? and from where?



Brian

Just look at the addtives bottle of any of the fuel addtives, if they says something like lowers the pour point by 40° then that is "anti-gel" additive.



Walmart and many truck stops carry Power Service, just make sure you pick up the white bottle vs the silver one (read the back).

 

[jGiacobbe]

You know, I never had this problem when I lived in Colorado. Even when hunting in the mountains in November. I had the same exact problem last week now that I'm here in Pennsylvania. Does humidity have anything to do with it? It's not as cold, but that humidity makes it hurt.



Also, looking for someone to work on my truck near Quakertown/Allentown PA if anyone has any suggestions. What a difference from Colorado to Pennsylvania. I think I may have one of a dozen CTD in the state. There were a dime a dozen in Colorado.

 

[jzenk]

additive

Originally posted by Sregorb

What are you guys using for anti-gel additives? and from where?



Brian

Power Service is good stuff. Truck stops sell it. Be sure to buy your fuel someplace that pumps alot of it!!! (fresher). Also if there's a bulk truck ANYWHERE on the premises, drive on. When the trucks unload, the water in the tanks is stirred up and takes a while to settle back down. Good luck