Sputtering engine

[FChin]

I have a '99 3500 with 26,000 miles. I am having difficulties with smooth engine performance on acceleration from 1500 rpm to 2000 rpm. In general, the engine sputters. After reaching 2000 rpm and beyond, the power delivery is smooth.



Any diagnostic suggestions?

 

[Snow man]

Id change the fuel filter,and drain the canister of water first,its just standard to do that first,then id get FP readings,in case the lift pump is going south. If the lift pump checks out OK,you might need to take it in to a Cummins shop.

 

[KatDiesel]

Is the truck stock?

 

[FChin]

The truck isn't stock: 275 injectors, Powermax 3, 4" exhaust, Kondolay transmission, gauges. It is also a California truck.

 

[pnwradar]

Might do a search on stumble or shudder and see if the symptoms sound familiar. Several of us are trying to figure out what's causing the odd 1500-2100rpm problem.



-jon-

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

FChin, welcome to TDR



I would first suggest removing your P-Max and see if the problem clears up (after you checked you fuel filter, etc. ). If it goes away then try getting some dielectric grease from an auto parts place and apply a bit of that to the electrical contacts of you PowerMax. If that doesn't work then your PM could be faulty.



Good luck,

Vaughn

 

[FChin]

Thanks all!

Thanks all for the diagnostics - it is greatly appreciated!!!



I am going to be checking the fuel filter and related functions first - I did in fact try the Powermax 3 on and off; same result. Seems as though the fuel isn't being consistently delivered to the engine between 1500 and 2000 rpm and that the engine is dying for more fuel.



Thanks again - without kind people such as yourselves, I would likely fall prey to the dealer and whatever they might suggest (I am worried they will point to all the mods and not truly diagnose the problem). Guess that skeptisim arises from my experiences with Porsche and Mercedes - my experiences with Dodge have been extremely limited.



All the best!