Powermax3 Questions, need your input

[Todd T]

I put a Powermax 3 adj. on my truck in february. the night of the install I noticed at around 90-95MPH it shut down on me. (not to mention it scrarred the Be-jesus out of me). I then inquired on here about it, and was told (Steve St. Laurent)the PM3 will "defuel at 2700RPMS and be back to stock by 2900RPMS" so I then talked with Mark and he agreed with that statement.

the problem with it is that the truck now "defuels" at 2400RPM's but only at highway speeds, in fifth gear. between gears it will run to 3000RPM's easily. but once i get to fifth gear at 85MPH it will shut down and not go any faster. i have tried to just stay in it and see if it would go faster, just without the extra power, and it wont. it stops at 85MPH. #ad


I have asked Mark about it numerous times, and he is now telling me that the speed limiter is kicking in and to cut some wire to fix it. the only problem I have with this is the truck without the PM3 would run well over 100MPH, and even with it(PM3)turned on, but on level 0, it will run past 100MPH.

what should I do????

just yesterday, I was racing a guy and the truck would have smoked him, but just as I was at his door, it "defueled" this sucks... #ad


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Todd,
2001 Q-cab SB 4x4 5spd 3. 55's,PowerMax3 adj. , A pillar Boost/EGT,4" turboback exhaust,custom built aluminum airbox W/K&N-RE0860 through the cowl, 310HP/675ft-lbs and more to come...

 

[Vaman]

I'd stay on Mark at TST. I've been running the PM3 for a while now so I'm very curious. Keep us informed.

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98. 5 2500, 24v, 5 speed, QC, 4x4, 4. 10 LSD, short bed, Line-X liner, tow package, camper suspension, Westin nerfs, camper shell, TST PowerMax Competition, 275 RVs, Psychotty air, HX-40, 4" straight pipe exhaust, Southbend clutch, ProComp A/T 305/70/R16s, EGT/Boost/Fuel pressure pillar gauges, Grover air horns... Love my Cummins, no love for Dodge

 

[**ICEMAN**]

no problems here,,,keep us posted,,bad box??? bad connection??? i'm gonna trash those scotch lock connectors(junk)and solder the wires

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94 2500 4x4 SLT,auto,190,000 miles,3:54,brilliant blue/silver,tst 250/635 set full forward,star wheel wide open,air box ported,pump turned up 20%,k&n,gauges,cat gutted,tuff country 2" front leveling kit
**2001. 5 3500 4x4 q-cab slt,auto,10,000 miles,3:55lsd,brite silver,HY35,DTT v/b & t/c(91%),tst power max 3 adjustable,j-hook,3 gauges on the a-pillar,2" tuff country front leveling kit,vinyl graphics,DEE ZEE lighted runnin boards,both have 12k hitches&15k's in the beds,30ft fourwinds 5er,(MY RAMS) http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1360183&a=10142301

 

[Todd T]

OK this is starting to look bad. first I spend thirty three dollars on a new map sensor that didnt do anything for the surging problem, becuase Mark told me my K&N filter clogged it up. and now I have to disable my speedometer to run over 85MPH.

I was told by MarK to "cut" the white w/orange stripe wire to fix the problem. with no mention that cutting this wire would make the speedometer not work. so luckily instead of cutting the wire I carefully disassembled the connector at the ECM and took out the pin for (#26)the wire in question. otherwise I would be really ****** if I had "cut" the wire to find I had to re-splice it, five minutes later because I was told to disabled my speedometer.

I thought when I made the choice to buy the TST Powermax3 adj. I was making the best descision based on the lack of complaints and the ability to easily de-tune the truck for my wife to drive it. I think now I have made a bad choice. I cant drive over 85MPH and the truck drives like I am heading into 40MHP gusts of wind. and every once and a while it will buck and remind me of my horse when she's ready to head to the barn. I have re-crimped connections dielectric greased the sh** out of them and now I will have to deinstall the d*mn thing to send it back.
and on top of that I will probably be forced to pay his blasted restocking fee as a leason learned for making the wrong product choice.

Great... . boy it'll run up to 85MPH real quik, but that's when the race is over fellas. #ad


NEXT... ...



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Todd,
2001 Q-cab SB 4x4 5spd 3. 55's,PowerMax3 adj. , A pillar Boost/EGT,4" turboback exhaust,custom built aluminum airbox W/K&N-RE0860 through the cowl, 310HP/675ft-lbs and more to come...

 

[Vaman]

I'm not happy with the surging either and that's exactly what it feels like... very strong gusting winds that are hitting the truck. I knew Mark would throw that map sensor thing at you. My surging started immediately after installation and before I even installed my K&N so I know that's not the cause. Others have complained about this issue also... I guess I've just accepted it. I've also heard someone mention the crappy scotchlok connectors as a cause... all my connections are soldered so that one can be ruled out too. Bottom line is the box makes my truck get out faster than a fat chick in dodge ball but I would love to see the surging issue really addressed.

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98. 5 2500, 24v, 5 speed, QC, 4x4, 4. 10 LSD, short bed, Line-X liner, tow package, camper suspension, Westin nerfs, camper shell, TST PowerMax Competition, 275 RVs, Psychotty air, HX-40, 4" straight pipe exhaust, Southbend clutch, ProComp A/T 305/70/R16s, EGT/Boost/Fuel pressure pillar gauges, Grover air horns... Love my Cummins, no love for Dodge

 

[BillGotthelf]

If youn guys are running over 100mph you gotta be replacing an awful lot of that plastic crap hanging down in front of the truck. I had it replaced once under "warranty". I have no idea why that plastic plugs popped out of the bumper and sheared of of the plastic. #ad


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1996-3500 4x4 extended cab tst #5 plate, K&N air filter,Primeloc fuel filter kit,4" exhaust,Purodyne bypass oil fiter system, bigger injectors (215),b&m trans pan,Amsoil all around,temp gauges out the wazzo, much transmission work including TST upgrade kit and Bill Kondalays TC, Transfer Flow 98 gal bed tank,double tow 33' 5th wheel and 12' trailer w/motorcycle(Honda Valkyarie Interstate)Also have 1999-250-stock.
Installing governor spring kit(BD)on dualie.

 

[Hot Shot]

You guys keep us posted. The TST PM3 was going to my next upgrade, along with 3-4 guys at work. If these problems are prevelant with this box, well I guess I better start looking somewhere else. #ad


I was hoping to have a box that I could run hot with and turn down while pulling my trailer.

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2001 3500 QC 24V SLT Larimie, leather, BD Plug in Power, 275 injectors, BD Torque Convertor ,Valve Body, Pressure Lock, Torque-loc, Gauges,RCI 2950DX and a 400w foot warmer, Black w/ Ranchhand bumpers Brownes HD Headache rack and a black wetherguard coffin. pullee 34Ft. gooseneck, 16 ft gooseneck monorail, and a 32ft x 6ft stock trailer. 131,000+miles
2000 Durnago SLT 5. 9litre V8

 

[MHindman]

I had the surge problem too... . then my lift pump and my injector pump both went out! After that... the truck has no surge, no miss, and runs great. Mark told me that he didnt think the problem was with the box. . and he was right. But this is after i went through the new map sensor, solider the conections, and removed the k&n. Now the k&n is back in, and working fine. I would guess that the surge has something to do with your truck, and not the pm 3. as far as the speed thing, i have no clue... since i didnt have that problem!
cheers

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(Silver Bullet)1999 Ext Cab 4X4 5SPD, All options. Power Max 3(adjustable), K&N Filter, no muffler, Pyro,Fender Flares, Toolbox, bedrail covers, 450 watt Kenwood Sub, 33 12. 50 16. 5's, 3. 54's... Soon to have: 4inch, DDIII's, Southbend clutch.

 

[Vaman]

MHindman, you might be onto something with that lift pump issue. I replaced my lift pump not too long ago and I honestly don't remember if the surging has happened since then. It was pretty sporadic before. Either I've just gotten very used to it or it hasn't happened since the replacement. I'll definitely watch for it now and let everyone know. I would love to put this issue to bed.

[This message has been edited by Vaman (edited 05-29-2001). ]

 

[tjpatte]

I'm starting to get the surging thing along with a reacuring "Check Engine" light. I don't think it's the PM because I've been running different iterations of the PM's for two years and 35,000 miles, (first PM2, then PM2 revB, and now adjustable PM3) with no problems till now. Have had the PM3 for about 8 months with no problems and the surging/light thing started last week.

MHindman, did your truck just go up and quit? How did you figure out that the pumps were bad?? Wonder if the same thing is happening to me? I'm going to Colorado for some rafting and hiking at the end of June then to Joe for a clutch and don't want to have to fix the pumps on the run. Wonder if getting a fuel pressure guage would help me find the problem.

BTW my truck has no problem running a indicated (with the old 285's and PM2 revB) 110 MPH with all my stuff and two dirt bikes in the back (just playing with a buddy's Chevy on the way home). Todd T, I don't think it's the box, we are pretty much the same setup drivetrain wise and haven't had the limiting problem you have. Don't know what to tell ya #ad


Hang in there.

Tom

 

[mopars1]

Todd, give me a call and you can come by some evening that will work for both of us and we can check your fuel pressure out of the lift pump and at the injection pump.

 

[MBUCCI]

Todd, I had the same problem on my 01 HO. It would feel like I hit a governor at 85mph. I had the powerpack from banks. They sent me a resistor that goes inline with the wire that is scotchlocked on the back of the fuel pump. The problem went away first test run after that.

 

[Briar Hopper]

I have the Competition version of the PM3, it's a little more extreme. I haven't had any problems, though the "surging" is a little annoying at cruising speeds (70-80mph)if I go above level 4. So I run around in level 3 or 4 pretty much all the time, and take it higher when needed. The surging is very minor, though... I don't have any defueling at high speeds...
TST is a great company to do business with, and Mark stands behind his products. Todd, I'm sorry you're having problems, don't give up on TST, it may not even be the box, like the other guys say.
I'm on my second lift pump, BTW...

 

[BigCarl64]

Guys, read this past topic.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum4/HTML/003540.html

I had the exact same problem when I installed the PM3 on my 2001 truck. Clipped the white/orange tracer wire about 2" out of ECM connector pin 43. This kills the VSS signal to the ECM and eliminates top speed shutdown in the 2001. Runs like crazy now all the way to 120mph without any fuel cutoff.

 

[MHindman]

Todd,
With my truck, i have no problems going well over 100. I saw near 120 at one point. It does stop fueling around the numbers you are talking about. . but it doesnt stop running. You can really tell the PM 3 drop off though. I am thinking about going with some sportbike injectors and a box to change my timing soon, i would think the it would still stop fueling... but maybe the injectors would keep me rocking at higher rpms? Hope you get it all worked out.

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(Silver Bullet)1999 Ext Cab 4X4 5SPD, All options. Power Max 3(adjustable), K&N Filter, no muffler, Pyro,Fender Flares, Toolbox, bedrail covers, 450 watt Kenwood Sub, 33 12. 50 16. 5's, 3. 54's... Soon to have: 4inch, DDIII's, Southbend clutch.

 

[MHindman]

Vanman, I was running it hard one day, and it just quit! I drained the fuel out of the filter, cranked it over, and looked for fuel. . i didnt see any, so i know i wasnt getting fuel. I figured it was just the lift pump, but after my dealer looked at it. . it was both. The service manager said he has heard of this... I would think that the lift pump went first, then the injection pump had too much work to keep up with the PM3's fueling needs. So yeah it just kinda went out on me... but the good news is this. Now it runs great, and it was all under my warranty. Hope this helps. If you need anymore info, just let me know.

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(Silver Bullet)1999 Ext Cab 4X4 5SPD, All options. Power Max 3(adjustable), K&N Filter, no muffler, Pyro,Fender Flares, Toolbox, bedrail covers, 450 watt Kenwood Sub, 33 12. 50 16. 5's, 3. 54's... Soon to have: 4inch, DDIII's, Southbend clutch.

 

[Vaman]

I'm pretty much convinced at this point that a fuel pressure gauge is an absolute must. With all the fuel system problems on these trucks, a pressure gauge should be standard equipment from the factory.

 

[Bigsaint]

Just a quick FYI, guys. You may or may not have read my post on the Mallory going out. If I didn't have the FP gauge, I would not have know until... . VP44 failure. Atleast a good possibility. If you don't a have FP gauge in yet and have a heavy fueling box your taking a big chance of destroying that expensive VP44. Do your truck a favor and get a FP gauge. They are no harder to install than any other gauges and cheap insurance.

Scott W.

White 2001. 5 3500 ETH/DEE 4X4 Quad cab SLT,tow package and camper prep,Husky liners front and rear,DiPricol pyro,boost and oil temp gauges,SPA fuel pressure and temp. gauge,Edge EZ,Psychotty air,Bully Dog stage III injectors,ATS 3 piece manifold,HX40 turbo,4" BD exhaust,4" BD E-brake,McLeod clutch,Mallory 4150 lift pump,Mag-Hytec rear,Go-Rhino grill guard,Lund bug shield,PM tractor utility back up lights,Penda bed mat,365. 8 HP on the dyno and blow by bottle is bye bye !!! I love the smell of diesel in the morning, it reminds me of... . VICTORY !!!
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089608" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>My Truck</font></A>
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089604" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>THE SAINTS</font></A>

 

[MikeR]

I've had mine in since November or December and haven't had any problems with it at all. I sure don't experience any surging while the box is on. I too got rid of all the crimp/scotch connections and soldered everything!

For a couple of months I was getting a random stumble about once a week wether the box was on or off,and at first I thought it might be the P-Max,but my pressure gauge showed my pressure was dropping to 1psi with the box on. I replaced my lift pump and my stumble went away. Check your pressures!

-Mike

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'00 2500,QC,4wd,LWB,Dark Garnet,6spd,3. 54lsd,SLT,DD stage II,Psychotty air,10-level PM3,Jacobs ebrake,Isspro pyro & boost gauges,2wd-low,Airoquip fuel lines,Smittybilt nerfs,BFG 285/75 AT's
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'95 2500,Reg-cab,2wd,LWB,White/Star silver,Automatic,3. 54,SLT,Michelin 265/75

 

[Todd T]

I agree with all the above, but the thing will run fine with the PM turned down to "0" it will run hard to well over 100 and as soon as you start adding levels, it will start acting up.

I run around town on level 9 most of the time, and the truck runs hard, in every gear, except 5th. the surging is most pronounced on the higher levels and lower speeds. if i put it on level 5 I can run to about 95MPH before it quits, or the lower the level, the higher the top speed. I am convinced its the speed limiter doing it but the PM3 is causing the speed limiter to come on earlier. that resistor thing is somehing i was going to look into. first i have to meter that lead and see what is on it (Volts, or OHMs) and determine what the reading is around 80MPH. and then install something inline with it to limit the VSS from reading over 80MPH.

I plan to check fuel pressure as BIGsaint suggested and I agree with him that it is important to monitor.

mainly I am frustrated, becuase everytime I talk with Mark it is like starting over, I have to go through the whole thing with everything i have done to date, and listen to all the same advice again, before he will get down to business. I have recieved two canned answers back from him about the K&N and the MAP sensor thing (which I too, think is bogus)and now he wants me to take a day off work and drive 4 1/2 hours one way, to let him test with the truck.

it is hard to restrain myself at this point, I hope I havent already offended him. #ad


after I check the fuel pressure I will give him another call and see where to go from there. #ad