Stroked-Z

Hi all.....bought my '99 3500 DRW 4x4 about 4-5 months ago & have some questions. Truck has 330,000 KM (not sure in miles) on it...

Now the fuel mileage just began to suffer real bad. Not sure on the fuel pressure, where do i find a port to test it?

Power seems a little low too.....towing 8,000-10,000lbs in a dump trailer, seems to struggle.

Valves sound a little noisy, even for a diesel @ cruise. Should they need adjustment, i dont think its ever been done.

Any links to COST EFFECTIVE EGT/fp guages? I already have a money pit, and its in the form of an '81 Z28 TT. Also would like to know what CHIP/PROGRAMMER would be the best BANG for the buck in terms of mileage/torque. This truck is used mainly for hauling 95% of the time.

Any help is appreciated.

BTW, already checked for codes (on/off, on/off, on) and found nothing.

phox_mulder

Doesn't work on a 99, only 2000 on up.


phox

crobtex

Welcome to DTR!
If you will fill out your other info under user CP we'l know a little more about your truck. auto..5 spd...etc

* The key on/off does not work on at '99.
* If your pulling that much weight, you definately need to get gages. At least FP, pyro and trans temp if it's an auto. Gages are not real expensive when you figure how much money they can save you. Check some of the DTR sponsers for prices.
* Fuel pump or injector pump or dirty fuel filter are the firsrt things I would check that could cause low power.
* I don't know about the valve adjustment.

Stroked-Z

oh ok.....any suggestions on how i do it then>?

phox_mulder

You have to have it scanned for codes, auto parts stores such as Autozone do it,
if the Check Engine Light isn't on, Autozone might not do it though.


phox

Stroked-Z

yup its an automatic BTW.....

I have not changed the fuel filter yet......do i have to bleed the system or anything after i change it? Or just leave the key on for a few secs before starting it?

crobtex

No bleeding, but it's best to have enough diesel handy to fill the housing after you put the new filter in. After you change the filter, "bump" the starter. When you bump it, the FP will run longer than just turning the key on. If it stll don't want to start, you may have to crack a couple of injector lines to regain the prime.

If your pulling that much weight with an auto, most would advise a tranny temp gage.

I have th Edge EZ to help towing. One of the sponsers, Quadzilla, has a new one that I believe is just for towing. Check his ad: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ad.php?t=76985

Tate

I believe they switch to winterized diesel around this time. They did in the Edmonton, Alberta area. My mileage is down about 12% from since I bought it in August, and my driving habits haven't changed.

Stroked-Z

Ok guys....can anyone tell me where i can tap in to to get the f/p reading?

Also, what will i need to do it (besides tools). Do i need any special fittings, etc?

phox_mulder

There are numerous threads in the "Performance and accesories" forum regarding fuel pressure installations.

Just remember, 1998-1999 installs are different than 2000-2002.

phox

CTD NUT

There is a schrader valve test port on the side of the inector pump at the fuel inlet in which a diagnostic fuel pressure gauge can be threaded on.....also, your 99 has two 1/8" pipe ports on the fuel filter canister that can be used to monitor both pre and post filter fuel pressures.