Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What to look for on a '99 ??

[midwestdually]

obviously the 53 block, and KDP still but what other problems have they had that you guys have become aware of



goin to look at the truck on wednesday

 

[Steve Campbell]

lift pump pressure... .

color of oil in rear diff and transmission...

rotors... .

crack in exhaust manifild inboard of turbo flange...

condition of battery terminals (clean or dirty)..... (Electrical problemas from this)...

All of the ball joints and tie rod ends on the front end... (including the track bar)

 

[WadePatton]

Ask about fuel filter changes. Some CTD owners don't know to do that.



It won't have a schraeder test port for LP pressure. Figure a way to tap in.

 

[midwestdually]

ok. . thanks guys... i am actually gonna take the truck to ATS as it is only located a few miles from there in Denver... . i am assuming they know what the hell they are doing



what should pressure be at idle??WOT??

its a 99 and the miles are 67k... it still has warranty til march so if i can catch something now it will definitely save me in the long run. .



thanks for your replies.

 

[rashwor]

My .02

I have a '99. You have two test ports on the fuel filter head. One pre-filter and one post filter port. The one closest to the front of the truck is post filter.



Minimum pressure should be 10 psi under WOT. If less, it is advisable to replace the lift pump. If idle PSI is less than 10, it probably should have been replaced already. It it has been very low for very long, it may have starved the VP44 injection pump for fuel. Fuel starvation of the VP44 can lead to premature failure.



Get it out and drive it before buying. Get it hot. Start it repeatedly hot. If you experience a hard start condition while hot, it is most likely the VP44... been there done that got t-shirt.



Any idea of power mods in the past? Power mods with auto transmission unmodified = problems unknown.



Good luck.



PS I bought mine new and I still love it. The biggest problem I have had is the VP44 died at 136,000 miles. I now have 156,000+ on it with a EZ. Pulls like a champ and I work it regularly!

 

[DavidC]

The service manual states 10 psi minimum at idle. You may be hard pressed to maintain 10 psi at WOT.



Dave

 

[rashwor]

10 psi

easily maintained when connections are good and lift pump is good, but I am only running a EZ box.