Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) No Boost

[cwsoules]

My truck has not had boost pressure when towing several times on this trip. Previously a rap or two on the turbo charger would restore boost. This morning near Tupolo, MS I had no powet when towing, no boost and raps on the turbocharger would not get it back. I disconnected the truck and drove into Tupolo.



There was heavy black smoke, high EGT, no power, and the truck would not go faster than 25 mph with EGT at or over 1200! I stopped to make a cell phone call and left the engine run. When I drove off I had boost, normal EGT and power!! The local Dodge dealer could not find any bad codes, fuel pressure, waste gate sticking, or turbocharger malfunction! After a hour of work they decided I had a bad cazse of "beats me" and sent me on my way. (No charge. ) Here is a dealer I woudl go back to.



I am approaching having to throw parts at the truck until one of them fixes the problem. So far the Phoenix Dodge dealer replaced my fuel transfer pump to fix the problem (it did not). Two other Dodge dealers were unable to find anything wrong. Something is sticking, or failing to work, and then starting to work.



Any suggestions?

 

[Hahn007]

I have seen intercoolers get plugged up and block air flow from the turbo. You could check it and see if it is plugged. You could check for air flow at the intake manifold next time it happens. Checking for air flow on either side of the intercooler will rule it out. Example: If you have air flow into the intercooler but not out of it you know your turbo is working but the intercooler is most likely plugged. If you do have air flow through the intercooler the problem is most likely a sensor.

 

[Mhannink]

taking a wild guess but i think the waste gate is stuck some how. the fact that you hit it and it gets better is what makes me think that

 

[GarrettPetersen]

is your exhaust brake stuck on. Ive had that happen to me and truck was a dog very smokey way high EGTs and not much boost. check the spool valve and the brake canister. make sure that they are all free and movein properly. I have seen the spool valves on the intake manifold stick due to condensation and I have in, very rare cases, seen the pac vaccume cylinders stick at the brake. hope this helps ya out

 

[CFast]

pull the intake off the turbo and see how freely it spins, engine off. then fire up the truck and see if it spins. Sounds like the turbo is about to take a dirt nap.

 

[cwsoules]

Yesterday it occurred to me that the truck had only malfunctioned when towing. When starting off I would turn on the exhaust brake and smart box before I started the truck. Today I only turned on the smart box and when we were out of the city on a major road I turned on the exhaust brake and had no problem today. I also had sprayed the accessable exhaust break moving parts with silicone lubricant. I will continue to use this procedure to see if I can avoid the loss of boost. But today it looks as if the exhaust brake was hanging up.

 

[SRadke]

Definitly exhaust brake hanging up. I've seen it multiple times. Most brakes recommend lubricating the pivot joints as well as where the shaft enters the cylinder. I would do that. If it's stuck on the truck should sound diffrent, like a hiss at idle.



-Scott