cumminsdriver635

My cousin bought a 96 1 ton 4x4 regular cab dually 12valve dodge about 2 years ago.Has 215 pump, and 5 spd. When he first got it, it had no EGT, or Pyrometer gauges. It would also run like a SCALDED DOG, so i know it had something done to it. I have a plate in my 94 automatic, and i think he could have out run me fairly decent. It would top out at 93 in a hurry. He bought it from a guy who had a pulling truck, and it has probably been pulled pretty hard im guessing. He has had quite a few drivetrain troubles out of it(e.g.- transfer case/transmission), and a few engine troubles. It ended up blowing a head gasket, and he fixed that, and it has been running ok, but not right. Now, my truck will probably beat his in a race. It is still quite a bit stronger than stock, and smokes quite a bit(black). But my real question is; now it sounds funny; kind of like its missing on a few cylinders. Some of the injectors leak a little around them, but were not sure if thats the problem or not. Now that its gotten cold, it also doesent start good(wasnt plugged in either), where mine has fired right up on the first crank about every time. What could be causing the severe lack of power, and funny/missing sound his truck has? Were thinking maybe the valves need adjusting, but it just doesent run near as smooth sounding as it used to. Any help is VERY MUCH appreciated.

Eric

MnTom

Yes, it could be the valves. It could be the injectors. It could be the pump. There are lots of reasons for it to not run like it used to. Could the timing have slipped some? Might it be the overflow valve? It could also be fuel lines deteriorating too. When it is cold start the truck and feel each runner from the cylinders and the ones that are cold(er) are not firing. If they continue to not fire after a while then I would start checking the injectors. When it stats cold does it smoke a lot? I mean A LOT. if it does, is the smoke a real "eye burner"? Does it not want to pick up rpms until it warms some? These are all symptoms of retarded timing. Do some checking and get back to us.
Tom

pappyman

Also be sure its not sucking air at the filter or one of the fuel lines....as Mntom said it could be timing has slipped....with multiple problems like your friend has it mite be wise to get a dyno run to pin point the trouble I have done this on big rigs with good results.....good luck

cumminsdriver635

Thanks for the help guys. As far as I know, his truck doesent smoke much on a cold startup, but i will have to ask him. We let it sit for about 4-5 months one time, and even though it was fairly warm, it fired up with no blue/white smoke. Ill have to check into that though. I think he told me last night that it idles low for a minute or so, but i think that is normal on all 12 valves. Thanks for all the help so far guys, ill do some more checking, and get back with you.

Eric

berner

Start there. Use a piece of cardboard to check for leaks. There's enough pressure to blast diesel fuel right through your skin. I test drove a '97 5-speed with a leaky injector line. It was a dog.

cumminsdriver635

Ok, i might sound like a dummy here, but how do you use cardboard to check for leaks? Thanks a lot guys.

Eric

berner

Start the engine. Hold the cardboard close to where you suspect a leak to be. If the cardboard gets wet, it's leaking.

infidel

You pass the cardboard around the suspected leak area rather than your bare hand to avoid getting a diesel injection.

Sounds like the trucks is experiencing the results of power modification on the cheap. I'll bet the stock plate is slid all the forward or even ground down, the afc housing slid all the way forward and the wastegate line blocked off. All with no gauges, the recipe for many failures...

cumminsdriver635

Thanks for the help guys. No telling what is done, but i just know it ran good, and the break off screw looks like its been took out, and put back in.

Eric