I just bought my first diesel yesterday! I love it, but already have tons of questions.

First- I was wondering how I could tell if the pump has been turned up.

Second - The previous owner had a pyro installed (he said he didn't know if the pump was at stock settings). The problem is that I don't know what the acceptable EGT range is. I was pushing it up a steep grade to test it out and the EGT's hit 1150, maybe 1200. Is this too high? runing at 75 mph, it shows around 800.

Third- I have a feeling that the tranmission needs adjusted. It doesn't slip, but it shifts into overdrive very early (rpm?, no tach) and doesn't seem to have much power when you push the gas. Any suggestions? Is this likely the transmission?

Fourth- Any good links to teach a newbie like me the basics about operating a diesel? i.e. what not to do, what rpms the engine like to cruise at, rpms for best mpg, etc.

I know these questions must sound poor and very generic, but I am just beginning to learn!

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Clark

 

Congrats!

1. Look for tamper proof caps on the adjustment screws. Look in the sticky to find out where those screws are.

2. Probe in the manifold or after the turbo? 1200 is OK in the manifold but too hot in the downpipe.

3. The sticky has info on adjusting the TPS, that will fix it.

4. Just drive it.

 

Thanks for the quick reply,

The probe is pre turbo. What temp would you consider unsafe for sustained power? What about short periods?

The engine seems to run great, sounds great, so I'm hoping adjusting the transmission with help.

Did any of these come with a factory tach? I would like a to add a tach, boost gauge, and transmission temp. Any suggestions?

Thanks again,

Clark

 

For a long pull you don't want it over 1250. Playing around, don't worry about it. You got more important things to watch at high speed.

Easiest tach is the Autometer 2888 alternator tach.

 

Previous owner is your best source on what's been done to the pump. Is the black paint missing around bolts on the pump? EGTs sound alright. On shifting into OD, the TPS may need adjusting or hit the OD switch to turn it on when you want it - that's why I installed a 2nd gen column shifter. No power when you hit the go pedal is due to lagmaster turbo - check the "stickies" for pump tuning which will help some with that.

 

I type slow!

 

Clark, pop over into the chat room and we'll break you in right.

 

Thanks guys,

I'm wanting to get it running correctly "stock" before I do any modifications. Will the info for adjusting the transmission apply to my "stock" rig? I get the vibe that the author's truck was tuned up.

This forum is great.

Thanks

 

That transmission should shift early remember its a diesel its not gas motor its not a screamer its a puller if you watch your speedometer it probely going up faster than you think .My trans shift point about half down on the throttle shifts into over drive 48 miles per hour ?

 

Yes, that TPS adjustment will work fine.

 

wannadiesel, I am going to order the auto meter 2888 like you suggested. The specs says it is 2 5/8 big. Is this the standard size for the guage pods if I decide to go that route later on? Any suggestions on tranny temp and boost guages?

Thanks,

Clark

ps. where are these chatrooms you mentioned?

 

First of all welcome Clark. I joined this forum about 11 months ago after inheriting my truck from my father. I was a gas guy. These guys had me up to speed in a matter of months. Now I am addicted as you can see from my sig.

So you know, "Wannadiesel" (Dave) is an administrator and probably won't profess to it but is one of the most knowledgeable guys on this forum. I have gone to him personally (PM) a few times and he is always glad to impart knowledge. So you got the right guy answering your first post right off the bat.

So far we don't even know what year truck you have so some questions you have may require specific answers. Many differences between years for example, the turbo lag "bigredbrick" speaks of is caused by the stock 18cm housing that was stock. Change to 16cm and you spool a whole lot quicker. you need to create a "sig" asap so we all have a better idea of what you got.

On Thursdays "Wannadiesel" does a group chat that you night want to get in on so you can get specific questions you might have answered quickly.

Your pyro probe is in the right spot which has been ascertained. The usual gauge size for the pods and such is 2 1/16 not 2 5/8. Just depends on what you want. Gauges are key so concentrate on getting the ones you mentioned. There is a cap or collar (or paint) on most of the pump tweaking gizmos so you can usually tell if they have been molested if you know what you are looking for. There is a little line on the pump that lines up with another on the cover and you can tell if the timing has been bumped.

Stick with it here and you will get to know your Diesel real quick....these guys have been doing this a long time and we will have you closer to square pretty quickly.

 

Very informative reply blackfordd!

Thanks,

I will figure out how to put the truck info in my sig shortly, but it is a 91.5 ic w350 with a a518. I'm trying to figure out which tach, tranny temp, boost, and possibly fuel pressure guage to buy. I guess the tach is ok to be large as it has its own mount that i would probably mount on the steering column. The others i would like to get a standard size so I can put them in a guage pod. You say 2 1/16 is that standard size? Any suggestions on where to get these said guages?

Thanks again,

Clark

 

You are going to hear the names Autometer and Isspro the most. You can shop around for the best prices or not. "Geno's Garage" is a place that a lot of us have purchased something from. I just checked and they are having a sale on "pods" if you buy the gauges. Here's a link to get you started..

http://www.genosgarage.com/departments.asp?dept=7

 

Oh, if you get a pillar pod double or triple get the one from Autometer. The angles are too high on the other ones. Search the forum for gauge pods and you will see some posts on that.