Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What's been done to this truck?

[MacMc]

I didn't like the way my auto transmission drove, so I had my truck inspected overall by a diesel specialist a few weeks ago. I bought the truck a few months ago.



While my truck was being inspected, the diesel mechanic says that the black smoke I get upon accelerating is a sign that some performance work was probably done to it.



He looked at the fuel plate and said that it had been adjusted. He also says that it does not appear that anything has been burned by excessive EGTs.



So while I first need to get the cracked timing cover fixed, I also want to make some performance upgrades myself. First, I guess I need to know what's been done already? What do I look for and how do I read it?

 

[McCRam]

That smoke could also be a clogged air or fuel filter, air getting into the fuel, I even had a weak overflow valve cause it.



Get some gauges first. Make sure the motor is tuned up properly, then the first thing most people do is a fuel plate. Thats all I had done until a couple of months ago. Now things are getting expensive.

 

[Matthug]

A governor spring kit is one of the best things to get hands down even if you are bone stock. Don't forget gauges too.

 

[MacMc]

Yes, I definitely should start with gauges. Where's the best on-line shop? Quality v. budget, of course!



I've done basic gauges before, but pyrometers will be new to me. Are they pretty much the same?

 

[McLaughlin]

Yes, I definitely should start with gauges. Where's the best on-line shop? Quality v. budget, of course!



I've done basic gauges before, but pyrometers will be new to me. Are they pretty much the same?

The big names(Isopro, Autometer, Diprcol) seem to be pretty much the same. You'll have to install the EGT/pyro probe in exhaust either before or after the turbo. Before the turbo seems to be prefered. Regarding the smoke, it could be cause by something as simple as having the star wheel turned all the way up and the fuel plate moved all the way forward.



Take a look at Geno's Garage, Diesel Manor, Bullydog and do an internet search. You'll read a lot of good stuff about Geno's, they are quick and easy to deal with. I've had good experiences with Diesel Manor also.

 

[WBerry]

what about cracked timming cover?would that be a sign of the kdp having fallen out?

 

[Matthug]

Yeah the cracked cover is more than likely the KDP.

For the place to get gauges, you can't really beat the deal I got from City Diesel. Here's a link to a great kit for towing and all around starter kit for performance-

http://www.citydiesel.net/12-valve-...-p-250.html?osCsid=e4qbc65ihgck3hh75am32ma486

Or if you just want the gauges-

http://www.citydiesel.net/complete-high-performance-gauge-kit-p-219.html?cPath=22_26_49

 

[MacMc]

what about cracked timming cover?would that be a sign of the kdp having fallen out?

The crack is at the top, and while the diesel guys at the shop believe it was caused by the KDP, it's just a crack, I don't see how it would have come out yet? I don't hear anything bouncing around either. Maybe it came out in the oil during the previous owner's usage before he traded it in and I got stuck with it.

 

[McLaughlin]

The crack is at the top, and while the diesel guys at the shop believe it was caused by the KDP, it's just a crack, I don't see how it would have come out yet? I don't hear anything bouncing around either. Maybe it came out in the oil during the previous owner's usage before he traded it in and I got stuck with it.

The KDP may not have come out yet it may just be beating things up inside.

 

[J Shocik]

From McLaughlin:

The KDP may not have come out yet it may just be beating things up inside.

I could be wrong, but for the KDP to "beat things up inside", I think it would have to have fallen out. How can it do damage by staying put??

 

[MacMc]

I think the issue is that it came out of its hole, but may or may not have come out of the engine block yet and may still pose a hazard.



I've been driving it for almost 3 months. Should I know by now?

 

[JSharp]

I think the issue is that it came out of its hole, but may or may not have come out of the engine block yet and may still pose a hazard.



I've been driving it for almost 3 months. Should I know by now?

I bought my truck with the timing cover cracked. Previous owner said it had been that way for a while. When I took the cover off, the KDP was still sitting on top of the crank gear. It should have cased a lot more damage, but it didn't. Really you won't know until you get in there and look. Just my . 02

 

[McLaughlin]

From McLaughlin:

I could be wrong, but for the KDP to "beat things up inside", I think it would have to have fallen out. How can it do damage by staying put??

Was thinking maybe the KDP was most of the way out but not all the way and occasionally hitting things. OTOH, I could be totally wrong too.

 

[MacMc]

I bought my truck with the timing cover cracked. Previous owner said it had been that way for a while. When I took the cover off, the KDP was still sitting on top of the crank gear. It should have cased a lot more damage, but it didn't. Really you won't know until you get in there and look. Just my . 02

Now this is the front cover of the timing case, right? I can take this one off and inspect without removing 4 radiators, right?