Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Stumble, hesitate, and surge with smoke??

[D White]

What does this sound like?? Starts, runs normal until around 2400 rpm. Then every once in a while it'll stumble, surge, and hesitate a little with some smoke for about a 1/4 mile and then run fine for a while and start all over again. This is just driving along with no load, level country at a constant 2400-2500 rpm. New lift pump and fuel filter, the smoke is what I can't figure.



I don't have a boost gauge, wondering if it could be turbo related?



Thanks for any help,

DW

 

[rattlnrench]

What color is the smoke?

 

[bmoeller]

I wonder if you have a bad connection in one of the wires going to the injection pump.



Had something similar on one of the Mack trucks (E-7 350 engine) that I drive. Wound up being a couple of wires were loose in the connector on the pump. If it got jostled just right going down the road, it would either loose power, stumble and blow smoke, or flat out stall like someone turned the key off (not real safe with a load of cattle :--) ). It would always start right back up.

 

[D White]

Smoke is blue, truck has 11,500 miles on it. Totally stock, I mean no EZ or anything.



I'll check the connections on the pump, hopefully it's something that simple. I've checked all connections around turbo and airbox and everything there is tight.



Thanks so far,

DW

 

[rattlnrench]

A week after I bought my truck with 77k on it I took my dad for a ride. I was running about 70 when I noticed the truck seemed to be surging. Dad noticed a trail of smoke behind us and brought it to my attention. I drove it really easy home & let off when I could feel the surge. The fuel filter was plugged solid. I know your filter is new, as the rest of your truck, but I think I would run a fuel pressure & volume check at the injection pump. Another possibility here is the overflow valve sticking open at times. If I remember correctly the color of smoke was white, but I could be mistaken. Blue usually indicates oil but I can't see how an oil control problem would cause a surge. Check the truck for DTCs also. A bad connection on the IAT or CTS might cause it also.

 

[JR2]

If its bone stock and there is noting preventing you (ie no BOMB's) from taking it back to the dealer, then that is what I would do. There is very little reason for you to have to try and chase down someting like that.





It sounds like a electrical problem to the pump. Do you have any codes set?? Turn the key on and off three times, the last time leave it on and watch the odometer window... it should give you some codes. Write them down and come back and tell us what they said. If there are no codes it will say "PDONE".



You can look the codes up here... . www.autotap.com/codes.asp



JR2

 

[D White]

JR2, I hate dealers and try to do everything myself, unless it's serious or a warranty issue. Took it in a couple months ago for a new lift pump, when I got looking the job over I had banjo bolts leaking, the connection where my hose to sending unit for the fuel pressure gauge was leaking. I wasn't happy and still haven't got the leak on the sending unit stopped yet, they stripped the 1/2" hex off the grease gun hose and I can only get it off and on with a pair of vise grips. So much for 5 star dealers, I could go on all day with other gripes I have with them, but won't get off topic. I'm sure others feel the same, that's the reason I joined TDR. I've learned tons from you guys and thank you all very much.



Here's what I got for codes,

P-PCU

P-0500

P-ECU

P-1693



Thanks again,

DW

 

[rattlnrench]

That P0500 is a vehicle speed code. The 1693 was probably set because of the P0500. It's under warranty & while I understand you don't want the dealer to touch it you will need a scanner & information flow charts to at least diagnose the codes. I would start with the codes first before checking other things. BTW. What kind of fuel pressure are you running when the truck acts up and is your gauge pre or post filter?

 

[D White]

Got it all straightened out, the waste gate was unhooked. The snap ring on the pin that goes thru the waste gate hinge was gone or never put on at the factory. Pin eventually must have popped out of the hole and let the waste gate flop around and do what it wanted. ~~ DW

 

[JR2]

good to hear... . I bet the vech speed code and 1693 code are from a high idler (or some other way of high idleing your truck). Those are the codes I get when I use mine, error is something about vech speed at rpm incorrect... .

 

[D White]

JR2,I think your probably right about what set the codes, I never gave that any thought. I don't have a high idler, but do use a prop between the seat and throttle on cold mornings. Usually let it idle aroung 1800 rpm for a few minutes. Like to have it idle with the pyro over 300.



Thanks for the help and the link for the codes, ~~~ DW