1993 Dodge 3500 possible power loss

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Have a 1993 5.9 Dodge diesel with mechanical injection pump.
Truck seems to run ok. Have had since 50.000 miles. It now has 85.000 miles. Engine does not miss or anything but doesn't seem to have the power it should have. I have a boost gauge...could somebody tell me what the reading should be on the boost gauge when I demand full power on the truck. It doesn't go over 9 on the gauge and runs at about 6 on the road towing. Have already checked air cleaner and intercooler hoses for leak and have noticed that I never get any black smoke on the bumper or trailer as I do on my Mercedes diesel.

saltydog

 

Based on your symptoms, I'd say you have a fuel delivery problem. Have a buddy sit in the driver seat while you pop your head under the hood on the driver side of the truck. Have your buddy depress the accelerator to the floor while you watch the throttle linkage at the injection pump. The IP has a 'high idle' stop screw. When wide open, the linkage should come to rest against this stop screw. The screw itself is threaded into the pump top and is on the fender-side of the pump...there is a similar screw on the engine-side of the pump, but this is the 'idle' screw. The throttle linkage will rest against it when your foot is off the pedal. ANYWAY, start there and see what you find. Often times the 'turnbuckle' linkage will be worn, but there may be some play elsewhere in the setup. Keep us posted. Oh yeah...

WELCOME to DTR! Nice to have you here! Keep asking questions...somebody brighter than me is bound to show up before too long, hehe.

Greg

 

Glad you found DTR and the first gen section- the home of knowledge

When was the last time you changed your fuel filter? Do you run any type of cleaner/ ceatane booster?
Has the symptoms started around new years? may be winter blend

Don't worry by tonight you will have alot of guys trying to help you out.

We'll get her fixed

Michael

 

Start with the cheapest thing get a fuel filter $25.00 or less. After that it could also be your fuel pump.

You could also check the gauge you should be in the 12-17 PSI range stock.

Good luck...

 

I`d start with what was already said, new fuel filter, and check the throttle linkage, in addition to the worn trunbuckles the cables themselves stretch and the bellcranks wear also there is a recent thread on the bellcrank wear, Wannadiesel posted the part numbers to repair it. If all that ck`s good, could be the lift pump getting tired.

 

Thanks everyone for the response and the info.

Will check throttle linkage tomorrow. Don't THINK I've got a fuel filter or air filter problem but will check anyway.

Once again...thanks. Appreciate the input.

 

It is possible also that your AFC diaphragm is torn, or the "guide-pin" is stuck.

The AFC allows the injector pump to inject more fuel as boost comes up. If you look in the Tech Facts 1st generation section, there is a "how do I turn up the VE pump" heading -- look in there at the paragraph on "Full Load fuel delivery rate adjustment" This talks about tweaking the AFC to produce more power. If the AFC is not working beacuase of a torn diaphragm, loose connection to the intake manifold, or a stuck guide pin (what they are calling the "fuel stop part"), it would cause your loss of power.

Basicially: take the AFC cover off, pull out the diaphragm and eccentric assembly & check out the diaphragm, then look down into the bore, press the accelerator pedal to the floor and a little pin should pop out from the front side of the bore. If the pin is stuck, it won't pop out, and is keeping you from getting more fuel when the turbo spools up. If the diaphragm is torn, then the eccentric is not moving when the turbo spools up -- same effect.

 

Did that year trucks have catalytic converters? If so, it may be plugging up.

 

Do you 2nd gen guys try to confuse the newbies on purpose? No cat on any 1st gen.