Hey Guys,

Today I was towing a heavy load (tractor) and the truck was surging/lurching if I gave it too much fuel at hwy speed. At first I thought it was my clutch possibly slipping, but after playing around I think I ruled that out.

A little history.

Thru several starts earlier today, it seemed like the truck didn't start as quick as I remember, but it wasn't drastically different so I thought I could be imagining things.

Then, the last start before I towed, the truck wouldn't start and it gave me the check engine light momentarily and I believe the water in fuel light. I cranked again and the same thing happened. I then hopped out and drained a little fuel from the filter and hopped back in and then it started right up.

It seemed as thought the boost would drop when it started happening so I'm wondering it if could be a turbo/waste gate problem or maybe the injection pump? Maybe bad fuel?

Any ideas would be great.

Thanks

 

Best next step would be to check your fuel pressure> http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94...-12-valve.html

If you don't have the means to check FP then start by changing the main fuel filter and servicing the pre-filter> http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/filter/pre-filt_clean.htm

More reading> http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1996/14-07-96.htm

 

Thanks for the reply Bill, I should have listed the fuel pressure in the initial post.

My fuel pressure is the same as when I first installed it with a new filter. I have 21 psi at idle and 30 psi at hwy speed. If I "floor it", the pressure drops to 26.

My boost gauge indicates 20 psi under load and the drops to around 15 when the truck starts to shutter.

Thanks again.

 

Hmm, sounds like its getting air in the fuel. Have you looked/changed the rubber fuel lines in last year or so? If not they could be causing the issue.

The boost you show is a little lower than stock IIRC but when it drops to 15 does it smoke more?

 

You could be right about bad fuel, might be water in it.

 

Thanks for the reply's guys.

I'm afraid it is something more serious than fuel contamination. The truck has seemed to run a little "rough" ever since I bought it last year. I just attributed it to it being a 6 cyl diesel. Right after I bought it i installed some gauges and took the fuel plate out for a day. When I got into it even for a short time, the truck would rattle and the engine/drivetrain sounded like it was begging for mercy.

I didn't think much of it till now. I'm wondering if the slight knock/miss I have been feeling is actually there. It could be normal, but i'm beginning to wonder. It is more noticeable as i give it more fuel.

Where would you guys start? Should I replace the fuel lines first? Get my injectors checked? Can I get my pump tested?

Thanks

 

leaky return line or supply line

just did mine, and solved my problems.. but i did have the obvious fuel leak from what was later identified as the return line...

could you smell any diesel? or see any symptoms of diesel "cleaning" the block? or anything else?

also as stated prefilter and new fuel filter... might wanna change them out just to rule them out..

i highly doubt that your pump or injectors are shot...

 

Great info.

What is the prefered method to replacing the lines? Is there a kit you guys reccomend?

Thanks

 

Go to Foster Truck and order the fuel line replacement kit as it has good quality rubber lines. Its about 1/2 way down the page.

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

Thanks for the link. I pressurized the tank last night to about 5 psi and let it sit like that for a while. Couldn't find any leaks. I'll probably replace the lines as a preventative measure anyway.

Thinking about getting the injectors checked out. Do I need to get replacement washers?

Thanks again

 

I would> http://www.usdieselparts.com/index.c...tion-kit-6.cfm