New to TDR forum & to diesel

[Wedge]

So I just got my first diesel ('94 ram) and I wanna start out right by getting it running and driving correctly, but I need advice! My truck had stalled twice and pulls to the left. I ordered a fuel strainer kit and some fleetgaurd filters so far. Next I'll look at the front end for wear... Balljoints maybe!

Who makes quality front end parts? And what are some things I should do right away? I hear transmission and fuel pumps are weak in 2nd gen. trucks.

 

[Highfinance97]

So I just got my first diesel ('94 ram) and I wanna start out right by getting it running and driving correctly, but I need advice! My truck had stalled twice and pulls to the left. I ordered a fuel strainer kit and some fleetgaurd filters so far. Next I'll look at the front end for wear... Balljoints maybe!

Who makes quality front end parts? And what are some things I should do right away? I hear transmission and fuel pumps are weak in 2nd gen. trucks.

Welcome aboard!!!!!!!





Front end parts?? I use and love MOOG





Michael

 

[Joe G.]

The most common cause of stalling is the idle is too low.

 

[McLaughlin]

So I just got my first diesel ('94 ram) and I wanna start out right by getting it running and driving correctly, but I need advice! My truck had stalled twice and pulls to the left. I ordered a fuel strainer kit and some fleetgaurd filters so far. Next I'll look at the front end for wear... Balljoints maybe!

Who makes quality front end parts? And what are some things I should do right away? I hear transmission and fuel pumps are weak in 2nd gen. trucks.

My 97 idles between 750 and 800 rpm when the truck is in drive and engine is warm, I suspect your idle should be similar. Trannys are know to be somewhat weak in the 2nd Gens; fuel pumps (both lift and injector pumps) pretty good. They can fail but not usually. Good suggestions on watching the trackbar and the caliper. Suggest doing a few searches of the TDR forums, you'll get plenty of material, tips and opinions to get you confused.

 

[Wedge]

Trannys are know to be somewhat weak in the 2nd Gens.

So whats a guy to do to a stock trans? I've got a eaau 4090 filter on the way and am considering a cam plate/injector upgrades. I really just want good mpg and abillity to tow my model A (2000 lbs car) without breaking anything.

Good suggestions on watching the trackbar and the caliper.

And Trackbar?? Do they break? What is it?

 

[Highfinance97]

And Trackbar?? Do they break? What is it?

They wear out.



The track bar keeps your axle from moving left and right.







(i tried posting a picture but the imagehosting is not working,ill get back to you)





Michael

 

[McLaughlin]

So whats a guy to do to a stock trans? I've got a eaau 4090 filter on the way and am considering a cam plate/injector upgrades. I really just want good mpg and abillity to tow my model A (2000 lbs car) without breaking anything.



And Trackbar?? Do they break? What is it?

A lot of folks have had to go with an aftermarket transmission. DTT, Georends, Suncoast, and a couple of others seem to have the most recommendations. The transmission most prone to the problems seems to be the 47RE auto, if you have a different transmission then it may not be as much of an issue. If you aren't having any transmission problems now you might be able to to with an aftermarket torque converter and valve body, but some of the others on TDR can probably give you better insight then I have.



The trackbar connects the axle to the frame (basically runs in parallel to the axle). On my 97 it connects to the axle on the passenger side and to the frame on the driver's side. Over a period of time, the ball joint assembly on the driver's side gets worn and loose. When that happens, the truck begins to wander, you can develop abnormal tire wear, and cause a wobble in the steering assembly. Easiest way to tell if you have a problem is to watch the trackbar ends as someone else moves the steering from lock-to-lock. If you see almost any movement, you may have a problem developing.

 

[Highfinance97]

Here is an example

<a href="http://imageshack.us">#ad
</a>



Michael

 

[Wedge]

You guys rule!!

Yeah my steering wheel is not straight or horizontal and it pulls left. I could just get alligned but I figured something might be worn out.

Thanx!!

 

[CogginsP]

and fuel pumps are weak in 2nd gen. trucks.

Are you talking about the lift pump or injection pump? The Bosch P-pump (injection) is one of the oldest, most reliable pumps you can find.

 

[Highfinance97]

Are you talking about the lift pump or injection pump? The Bosch P-pump (injection) is one of the oldest, most reliable pumps you can find.

I hope he is talking about the boat anchor of a pump the VP44 and that junk lift pump that comes with them. :-laf





Michael

 

[Wedge]

I've read so much about these engines, I must've read about the wrong pump... opps! But I should be running an additive for the pump right?

 

[Joe G.]

No additive necessary. The P7100 in jection pump is lubed by engine oil. The VP44 is fuel oil lubed. Your '94 has the P7100. 2nd gen trucks made from January 1, 1998 have the VP44 and an electrical lift pump that if it is not dead it will be soon. The P7100 equiped engines have a mechanical lift pump that seldom fails. I have 244K miles on my '95. It has the original lift and injection pumps.

 

[Wedge]

Here's what I read on dodgeram.org under 94-98 troubleshooting: http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/maint/2nd_Gen-12v.htm click on troubleshooting & tips



When the engine stalls on deceleration it is usually an indication of lubrication problems in the pump. The first thing that should be checked is the idle RPM. If it is too low it could put the pump governor in a position where it cannot recover from the deceleration quick enough to keep the engine from stalling.



If the idle is set to the proper RPM, a lubrication fuel additive like Stanadyne performance formula might be used. In some cases a slight amount of water has passed through the system or an extra dry fuel has been used. This causes the metering valve or plungers & barrels to stick slightly. A lubrication additive (you guessed it Stanadyne performance formula) in the fuel could solve this problem.