I have a stock 1998 12 vavle automatic, that when Im not towing runs fine on highway and hills. When towing a 4500 lb trailer in OD on flat land no problem doing 65-70 mph 2000 RPM, when I come into hills speed drops off, RPM drops off, and no response to more gas pedal. I have to take it out of OD and put my foot into it to get up the hill at 50-55 mph at best. I have had the tranny replaced, changed fuel filter, cleaned prefilter, and valves have been adjusted. Any suggestions? Im new to diesel so am I wrong to think this is weak running for only a 4,500 lb trailer (loaded wt.)? Also gas mileage goes from 17.5 mpg no trailer to 12.8 mpg towing trailer. Any suggestions helpful, any good diesel places in Reno/Sparks NV?

 

I had the same problem with my 12v. It was the fuel plate cocked a little sideways from the factory. Slid the plate a bit and the problem was gone.

A 3000GSK will make the truck very nice to tow with.

 

Thanks I'll look into the fuel plate. Does the 3000 void the engine warranty heard alot of different stories on that?

 

Yes it will,, but you are out of warrenty anyway.

Get an EGT, and Boost Gauge, the you will be able to slide your fuel plate forwards some. This will "freshen" your truck up. Don't get carried away with the plate,, your auto won't like you very much if you try to put too much power down.

Merrick Cummings Jr

 

DO NOT use OD when pulling hills!!! You should drop OD just prior to hill and hit hill at 2100-2300RPM. Go to dieseltrans.com, then call Bill for more info and proper tecniques when pulling. See my sig for added MODS for towing. Guages are a MUST!! EGT and Trans TEMP the prime
need. EGT below 1250 pre-turbo. Bill will give you trans reccomendations.

 

NEVER tow in OD especially on hills with stock or near stock truck. I tow a 12,000# 5er and am over 500 hp and don't use OD in the hills. Your truck won't last towing in OD, you will warp the head because to high EGT temps and the TC can't take the load I don't even load my ATS convertor like that and it can hold it.
Bruce

 

Cobb1, suggest you check your fuel pressure. My truck would run ok until I hit the tall grades pulling the 10k 5er. The lack of power was then very real. I checked the fuel pressure and the lift/transfer pump was only putting out about 12 psi at idle. A new pump and I was back to normal.

Jerry

 

Change your air filter! This did the trick for me...

Next your fuel filter...