Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) RPMs at Full Throttle

[surfbeetle]

My truck has 220,000 miles on it. About 7 years ago, I put a #5 TST plate in the injection pump. Other than the plate and larger exhaust, it's stock. In first and second gears it will get up to 3,000 rpm when rowing through the gears. But once I get up to fourth and fifth gears, it won't rev past 2500 rpms. It's always done this since the plate change. I changed the overflow return valve at the time and no change.



My lift pump is the original so I know that I should change it out soon, just wondering if that will increase the rpms any. My max boost gets up to 35 psi. Also I just installed an icebox intake http://www.iceboxintakes.com/ and that made the truck pull even more but still stops at 2500 rpms. No, I didn't expect the rpms to increase with the new airbox, my original box was brittle and cracking so it was just time to replace it. Also I went from the oiled K&N to an Amsoil non oiled filter.

 

[Bob4x4]

You have a mechanical governor-to get more rpm under load you will need to address that.
The Amsoil filter also is lacking in airflow .

 

[GAmes]

Rather than installing an aftermarket goernor spring kit you could try just tightening the caps a click. When my pump was in the shop for an oil leak they removed my 3GSK and reinstalled/adjusted the stock springs. I can easily get to 3000 rpm in all gears.



You can either do it from the top



http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/more_power/GovSpring.htm



or from the side.



http://pacbrake.com/PDF/L5658.PDF



If you do it from the side it requires removing the tire and inner fender liner. Removing the cap will release about a pint of oil.

 

[BLNRAY]

being old school diesel mechanic/owner-operator i cant imagine in my wildest dream some one turning a diesel 3000 rpm and not looking back for parts on the highway. remember some 8-71 dd that would turn that , but not for very long.

 

[Bob4x4]

our 5. 9s are very safe at 3k. to go above that up to 4k only requires better valve springs,above 4k is what takes money

 

[Bob4x4]

Surf,stop by NTG racing in Santee. Pablo can discuss your options with you. He was also looking at your rig before you bought it. I am sure he would appreciate seeing it found a good home

 

[mwilson]

being old school diesel mechanic/owner-operator i cant imagine in my wildest dream some one turning a diesel 3000 rpm and not looking back for parts on the highway. remember some 8-71 dd that would turn that , but not for very long.

Same here, Big Guy. I cringe when I see mine hit 3000rpm even though it is not harmful. Old habits die hard.

Mike

 

[NIsaacs]

remember some 8-71 dd that would turn that

Actually they didn't, they just sounded like they did



Nick

 

[mwilson]

Actually they didn't, they just sounded like they did

Nick

Sounded like "bwaaaaaaaaaah" accompanied by dripping oil... ... ... . to mark it's spot. .

Mike.

 

[Bob4x4]

Rather than installing an aftermarket goernor spring kit you could try just tightening the caps a click. When my pump was in the shop for an oil leak they removed my 3GSK and reinstalled/adjusted the stock springs. I can easily get to 3000 rpm in all gears.

You can either do it from the top

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/more_power/GovSpring.htm

or from the side.

http://pacbrake.com/PDF/L5658.PDF

If you do it from the side it requires removing the tire and inner fender liner. Removing the cap will release about a pint of oil.

The 94-05 pumps are not as nice as the 97

 

[surfbeetle]

Surf,stop by NTG racing in Santee. Pablo can discuss your options with you. He was also looking at your rig before you bought it. I am sure he would appreciate seeing it found a good home

Do you have any contact info for Pablo? Also I'm the original owner of this truck, I bought it April 23, 1995. I'm also looking at doing an exhaust brake so I may hit him up to do the 60 lb springs...

Edit: found him on Facebook- Thanks

 

[GAmes]

The 94-05 pumps are not as nice as the 97

I'm not sure what you mean there, but the operation of the p-pumps is the same. Since sb has the knowledge to install a #5 plate, he could easily do an adjustment of the springs. All it requires is the right tool and a few minutes. Cost is free.



edit; found a couple pictures of an adjustment tool. Post #s 5 & 9

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94-98-powertrain/557888-tightening-stock-gov-spring.html

 

[Bob4x4]

The 160 pump is different from the 180 and the 215 pump

 

[GAmes]

The 160 pump is different from the 180 and the 215 pump

So the governor springs can't be adjusted?

 

[Bob4x4]

Same design just less power and rpm
Adjusting springs is not as good as different springs. Do the same mods to a 160 pump and a 215-still much more out of the 215

 

[GAmes]

I'll have to take your word for it since it is doubtful I'll ever work with a 160 pump. But if I had one, I'd try adjusting it.

 

[surfbeetle]

Mine has a 175, not the 160 since it's a stick shift. Also I noticed that now I have a leak somewhere in the intake. When I hit full boost (35-40psi) there is a whistling sound and it's definitely not turbo whine. Guess I'll have to go to Home Depot and get the parts to make the adapter to pressurize the intake from my air compressor so I can track down the leak. Is there a common spot that these start leaking from? I'm hoping it's from the intercooler or piping and not something like a head gasket.



There was a comment about the Amsoil filter not flowing much, compared to my stock air box with a K&N Drop in stock size filter, the Amsoil dry filter with the outer cover flows more. Maybe it's the new Icebox and the Amsoil filter, either way I'm glad to be rid of the K&N.

 

[NIsaacs]

I doubt it is your head gasket or you would have more issues than just a boost leak. At an idle, try covering your turbo intake with a short 1x6 a little at a time until you create enough vacuum to hear the leak. It might take 2 people.



Nick