Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) newly installed tst plate

[JamesAnderson]

Hello folks,

I am a new member to your board , way up from Quebec ,Canada. I have just installed a no# 11 plate in my truck a 1997 2500 excab 4x4 ,5 speed and I just hit the 200 k mark(125,000 miles). Everything went well , I was wondering the turbo seems to spool up only around 2000 rpm's, is this normal? I rolled the little star wheel forward about 8 clicks , hardly any smoke which I assume is a good thing. Please be patient with my questions I am new to the diesel world of upgrading which include certain budget restrictions(ie: back in school for next few months)

Two more before I go. I noticed a little oil leak from the top of the 1st piston cover , under the gasket ?, if I change the gasket will this stop it or is there another problem looming? Can the turbo be made to spool up right from the beginning? Thank you for time, James from Mille Isles Qc Canada

 

[JDKammin]

I have a #10 plate on my 96 5 speed. When the rpms hit 2000 rpms, hold on. I have the 3000 rpm governor spring kit, which prevents defueling. This allows a higher shift point and will let the turbo stay spooled up. You will not get that turbo lag.

Replacing the rocker cover gasket will fix your oil leak. Make sure you replace the o-ring on the bolt. I think the cheapest place to buy this gasket is right from Cummins, which may come with the o-ring. If you are changing one, you may check the other 5 covers.

As far your turbo question, you can probably change to a different turbo, but boost is based on the exhaust velocity to turn the exhaust wheel of the turbo.

 

[Howard Durand]

Try about 30 clicks on the star wheel. That will give a little better take off with maybe a little smoke. If 2000 rpm is your top, you probalby would benefit from a 3K governor spring kit or you can adjust the existing governor springs and get more response.

 

[biggy238]

I would recommend removing the aluminum name plate and then pressure washing in around all of the rocker covers so that no accumulated dirt gets under the gasket when you go to swap cover gaskets. I had one that did this and had to go back and re-clean it to get a seal..... Perfectly dry for 30k miles now.

 

[Matthug]

Guys he's not saying 2000 RPM is his top, he's saying the turbo doesn't get spooled up until 2000. Thats way late, with stock turbo you should have full boost around 1500 RPM. I would guess maybe the wastegate is stuck open, or you could have fuel issues. Does power seem low? When you did the plate, did you slide your AFC housing all the way forward (toward the front of the truck)? If not do it and it will help your low end before boost response and spool the turbo faster.