timberfalls

[B]At an intersection going to work, then again after work, pulled over both times and checked engine compartment, fine but I removed stock box air filter after she ran much better. then an hour later she acted up again temporarily (still no air filter) confused now as I thought for sure it was the air filter. Could be turbo related? It felt as though she was suffocating/starving for air. I'm gonna replace with a large cannister napa style drive on a hope n a prayer.
1996 CTD 60k miles 5spd- injectors done by PO has an exhaust brake. Has ran like a dream always, no recent work, regular maintenance] Any ideas about my gremlin?

AlpineRAM

Take a look at the turbo and check the shaft for play- simply remove the intake hose and try to wiggle the shaft.
Another possible reason would be the exhaust brake getting applied by an electrical or pneumatical gremlin. (No exhaust out lets no fresh air in)

No air filter is a very bad idea... since the airbox gets some rather dirty air from the fender area.

timberfalls

wow thank you for your advice all the way from Austria, much appreciated I will check foreplay😮wix filter arrives tomorrow I'll walk til Then! I bought this mint rig from my only Austrian friend and it was meticulously maintained I would buy anything from him! I didn't feel the brake engage when the gremlin arrived but I'll consider this should I have further intermittent problems. have a healthy & happy new year

Hayrake

make sure exhaust brake is not coming on

timberfalls

Thanks I'll be looking into that, initial test drive was fine. Got the Wix drop in stock box filter.