Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) New to me 98 12V sorting out Fuel Issues..

[ZBerry]

Hey guys I just picked up a 98 12V 4X4 Sport w/5 speed 147K miles. It has some "issues" that I want to sort out and get it running 100% like my 95.



First:

1. The truck takes ~3seconds to start, no gas pedal needed just not instantaneous like my 95.

2. Mileage seems low so far 12-15MPG range estimated, previous owner claimed ~22MPG+

3. Power seems "ok" but nothing great.



I will be ordering a new overflow valve just in case. I will also change the fuel filter and clean the prefilter this weekend. Fuel lines were replaced not too long ago by a Dodge dealer. I have a fuel pressure gauge but it seems on a 98 there is any easier way to hook it up than the older ones, what do I need?



Once all this is sorted that front end is next on my hit list, followed by my homemade WVO conversion, followed by bodywork...



Thanks!

Zack

 

[The patriot]

If the truck is idling slower than the factory setting, you'll need to put your foot on the go petal slightly as youre cranking.

My truck sits for weeks at a time and one revolution is all it takes.

MPG's can be several things. Plugged cat, timing, air filter, fuel system.

Since all the lines have been done, lets eliminate that.

Yank/gut the cat is #1 IMO assuming you check out the air/fuel system. New filters etc.

Then I'd have to say timing.

Ticking sounds like the lift pump. That dont mean it's bad, I replaced mine because it WAS bad, and it still ticks.

The overflow valve is a good place to start.

It appears to me that you have a good sound plan of attack.

Good luck with it.

BTW look in my readers rigs to get an idea on a fuel pressure gauge since you have the same cannister type that mine has.

Eric

 

[ZBerry]

Eric,

Thanks for the response. I saw your FP gauge setup and truck, very nice, Is there anything special needed or just the right thread/adaptor to screw the gauge in? I saw some things about keeping the gauge from fluttering, or is that a concern for the earlier setups?



I just ordered the overflow valve $40+$7shipping and $2 for gaskets...



Tomorrow will be a new fuel filter and prefilter cleaning and see If I can hookup my fuel pressure gauge.



Zack



EDITED: Noise is coming from transmission NV4500, hopefully just needs a fluid & filter change... .

 

[KWentling]

Take a look at you're fuel heater on the prefilter. If they overheat/burn up they will leak air where the wires plug in. That's where I found my air leak, after I replaced all the hoses to no avail.



Kim

 

[The patriot]

No special tools... . 1/8" NPT tap and appropriate drill bit.

I used a needle valve ar the cannister top. Just throttle it back till the flutter stops.

I'd have much preferred a mechanical gauge setup, but the pod only holds 3 gauges, so I switched the fuel press gauge. It's actually an oil pressure gauge. :-laf

Eric

 

[CToney]

Hard Start and/or smoke at start up

I just changed my overflow valve and lift pump ( old lift pump was scored up and would not create enough pressure to cause fuel to go over the overflow valve). I also got rid of the fuel heater problem. I took it off and bought a inline filter from my local CaseIH dealer. I needed to go from 1/2 in pipe thread to a 3/8" barbed fitting. The truck starts better now and I have no more leaks to worry about. Parts are cheaper here at CaseIH dealers. Just take off the first number off the cummins and insert a J and voila 1/2 price. I just bought a new water pump and my head gasket and various other gaskets.



CR Toney

 

[REFLOYD]

how much was the headgasket????

 

[CToney]

The Top End gasket kit (valve cover, injector(wrong thickness), intake, etc, oil cooler Gaskets, and front cover gasket and front crank seal, and KDP tab were $400 inclucing taxes. My lift pump was $156 and water pump $133 CDN with taxes.