Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ripped off on eBay, need some mechanical help please.

[PAdkins]

Well, I just got ripped off on eBay, for a long sad post please see http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1701362#post1701362

Now for an explanation of my problem. The vehicle will hardly move. After an extended warm up time it will start to move, eventually gaining a top speed of about 35. It will hardly go up any form of a grade (like my driveway). The engine revs fine and seems to run well, it is “supposed” to be low millage but who knows now. The transmission does shift and the TCC issue you all speak of might be an issue, but I really don’t know as this is my first diesel. The transfer case is almost completely locked up. It pops out of what I assume to be 2WD Hi (based on the shifter knob) but I cannot really “shift” it anyplace but back in to where it was. Any help, information, or just plain guessing as to the problem(s) would be much appreciated and anyone living in Connecticut who would be will to injure someone on my behalf, please contact me off board. :-laf

 

[JFaughn]

My guess is a fuel starvation , filter , check pressure ,
But for now go back to the user control pannel and fill in the info for your truck , yr. mod. & mods .
Welcome to the site .
What ever you do , do not go to the dealer , unless you have a good ongoing relationship , even then thats the highest priced place to go .
Maybe some here can recomend a shop in your area ???
If its as bad as you say , do not put dime one into it , if you can get no results from e-bay , seller , courts , then use as parts to build from .

 

[PAdkins]

John,

Thanks for your reply. I added some information in the control panel and will add it here as well. It’s a ’94 3500 4X4 auto. , Regular cab, flatbed/dump. Nothing added as far as I know.

 

[JKinney]

Welcome to tdr, I might also add that it would be helpfull to show wher you are located, as a member might see that and even be willing to give you a hand.

 

[Hoefler]

Could you give more detail on the transfer case jumping out of gear. Is this whole truck new to you?? If the transfer case is giving you trouble, it sounds like you may have two different ratios, if the transfer case is jumping out of gear. With the axles fitting each other, you would not get very far with out a fight.

 

[PAdkins]

thanks for the collective welcomes and replies.



Yes the entire truck is new to me, just off the transport truck yesterday. The transfer case shift lever just will hardly move, as in “locked up”. It should be in 2 Hi but it tends to pop out of gear and is a bear to force back in, no real noise from the transfer case other than when it pops out. I would not be surprised to find out the front and rear axles were different, seized or anything for that matter. Same goes for the transfer case; it could be full of sawdust for all I know. I have not pulled anything apart as of yet, the insurance people want me to get estimates of repairs from a shop, so I’m not touching it until after that. I really am asking for advice/ideas as to the possible problems to point the dealer towards. As to my location I’m in central CA near Yosemite (Oakhurst area) but the truck came from Connecticut.

 

[lcaad1249]

Do you have a link to the auction, that might give everyone a little more info.

 

[PAdkins]

Surprisingly it still works, this nightmare started back in Nov of ‘06

Auction

 

[cojhl2]

Surprisingly it still works, this nightmare started back in Nov of ‘06

/QUOTE]



It does not look like you have responded as a buyer.



Also on the description he indicates the truck has not been used for a while.



Which means it could well be a fuel issue. The T-case is another issue.



Gota work one prob at a time. .



The rust does not look too bad. From the east, Plow+Sander = Salt.



Good luck,, it may not be too bad. Actually you got a lot of machinery with it.

 

[KLockliear]

You say it will only go 35mph... at what RPM? Does the engine make power or not? If it's making power, it will sound/feel loaded up. May be a trans issue too. T-case shifter might just be the linkage. Lots of easy stuff to check.



Don't know where in Central CA you are, but J&H in Redding could probably figure it out for you. http://www.jandhperformance.com

 

[PAdkins]

Yea the rust does not look to bad in the pictures he used. He found the only reasonable locations and cleaned them up a bit. I will include some of the “real” pictures. I specifically asked him about the rust, if it was all about what he showed, etc. and of course I was assured that it was no worse and actually better on the rest of the truck.

 

[PAdkins]

You say it will only go 35mph... at what RPM? Does the engine make power or not? If it's making power, it will sound/feel loaded up. May be a trans issue too. T-case shifter might just be the linkage. Lots of easy stuff to check.



Don't know where in Central CA you are, but J&H in Redding could probably figure it out for you. http://www.jandhperformance.com

Kieth,

Redding is about 8 hrs. north of me. The truck seems to rev without any problems. When I was trying to get it home at 35 the rpm was approximately 2200-2500. The engine actually sounds OK (of course I’m no expert) the best way I can describe it, it’s as though I’m pulling a mountain behind me. Everything seems to be running, I’m just not getting anyware.

 

[pete97]

That sounds like a transmission problem.

 

[MMcCallie]

Sounds as if RPMs are maxing out. How many times does the transmission shift gears to achieve 35 mph? Transfer case may actually be stuck in low range. Is the front driveshaft spinning when you think it is in 2 wheel drive?



I just installed a '94 160 hp Cummins in my Ford. I estimate my truck weighs around 10,000 lbs. It is gutless but like yours, it sounds and runs very smooth, revs up and seems healthy. Truck will start at the bottom of a hill going 65 mph, and drop below 50 mph cresting the hill. Getting about 9 mpg.



The stock 160 pump is not very powerful. The only thing that concerns me since i haven't hooked up the grid heaters, is that my engine won't start at 30 degrees without ether or being plugged in. Could be timing on mine but not likely on yours. If you plug yours in for a couple hours, how long does it take to see 140 degrees on your water termperature gauge?



Let us know when you diagnose transmission and transfer case operation. Might not be engine related at all. May want to get a fuel pressure gauge.

 

[PAdkins]

Sounds as if RPMs are maxing out. How many times does the transmission shift gears to achieve 35 mph? Transfer case may actually be stuck in low range. Is the front driveshaft spinning when you think it is in 2 wheel drive?



I just installed a '94 160 hp Cummins in my Ford. I estimate my truck weighs around 10,000 lbs. It is gutless but like yours, it sounds and runs very smooth, revs up and seems healthy. Truck will start at the bottom of a hill going 65 mph, and drop below 50 mph cresting the hill. Getting about 9 mpg.



The stock 160 pump is not very powerful. The only thing that concerns me since i haven't hooked up the grid heaters, is that my engine won't start at 30 degrees without ether or being plugged in. Could be timing on mine but not likely on yours. If you plug yours in for a couple hours, how long does it take to see 140 degrees on your water termperature gauge?



Let us know when you diagnose transmission and transfer case operation. Might not be engine related at all. May want to get a fuel pressure gauge.

Sounds like a interesting setup you have there. my first thought was that it may be in low range. the problem i had with that theory is that lack of any power. when i hit a grade it went from 35 to creeping along at 5-7 and barely making it to the top. low range should be less speed but more power. the trans shifted all the way into OD..... eventually. it would shift out of OD pretty quickly if the road started to rise slightly.

 

[KLockliear]

Sounds like the trans is in limp mode, and taking off in 2nd or 3rd gear. Call DTT and get their take on it. 866-504-4002.

 

[KHelfrich]

you say you can go 35 on flat ground and then if you hit a hill it drops to about 7 mph is the rpm droping too like the motor is being loaded if so it sounds like a fuel problem if the rpm are staying high then it is a transmission/TC problem if it is a transmission problem have you checked the transmission fluid cause the transmission cooler lines may have rusted out and it may be low of transmission fluid which would be why it is not moving. on that truck you are susposed to check the transmission fluid in neturel with the engine running

 

[CSchafer]

If it is going into overdrive at 35mph then there is a little problem there. Will the truck roll or get pulled in neutral without binding up in the driveline somewhere? When you stomp on the throttle does the RPM's go instantly to 2500 or so or do they slowly rise with the speed? If you rule out the driveline then I would start with the 1500 dollor repaired fuel system and the rebuilt turbo at 66K

 

[PAdkins]

you say you can go 35 on flat ground and then if you hit a hill it drops to about 7 mph is the rpm droping too like the motor is being loaded if so it sounds like a fuel problem if the rpm are staying high then it is a transmission/TC problem if it is a transmission problem have you checked the transmission fluid cause the transmission cooler lines may have rusted out and it may be low of transmission fluid which would be why it is not moving. on that truck you are susposed to check the transmission fluid in neturel with the engine running

RPMs drop some (not sure exactly how much as I was somewhat pi**ed at the time) but not correspondingly to the speed. My initial feeling was the trany and/or transfer case was shot. I checked the trany oil, it is full but somewhat brown in color. The question I have regarding engine vs. trany is the fact that it does get somewhat better as it warms up/travels. It goes from not moving at all (with foot on floor) to slowly moving away from a stop as it heats up. It does hit the 120-140 range on the factory gauge after 10 or so minutes.

 

[MMcCallie]

I agree with CSchafer that your transmission should not be in 4th gear at only 35 mph. Your transmission oil should be no color but red. I suspect the transmission has seen excessively high temperatures and that the torque converter is not locking up.



The fact that you are in 4th gear at 35 mph also leads to the unlikelihood that the transfer case is in high range. Do you know what the ring and pinion gearing is on your truck? It must have 4:11 or lower gears if it is in 2 wheel drive.



Here is a test you might try. While driving at speed, if you let off the accelerator, then depress it again, what do the RPMs do? Can you make the engine rev faster without gaining speed? That would indicate transmission slippage.



Is the 120-140 degree range your engine coolant temperature or transmission temperature? Transmission temperature should remain at or under 170. Going over 200 would indicate too much slippage. My transmission went out shortly after seeing an all time high temperature of 156 F.