So I finally got my truck registered, when I drive, it seems to have trouble making power. I can tell it wants to run, but it just doesn't seem right. I can hold the throttle to the floor, sometimes it goes, with decent power, sometimes it does nothing. Always does nothing if i'm driving uphill. So I rigged up a vac/ pressure gauge to the intake so I could watch boost while driving. I was only getting a max of 7psi. When I got boost, I got power.
So I looked for boost leaks, found my intercooler had a leak. Found a great deal on a donor vehicle, a 93 d250, good intercooler. Made the swap. Marginal improvement, 9psi max, same drivability issue.
Next I swapped turbos, could see that mine had an exhaust leak between the turbo and manifold when I pulled it. I thought AHA! I found my problem. Got it back together with the donor turbo (18.5cm) no improvement
I can hear a hiss when I roll on the throttle, I'm thinking I still have a boost leak? Last night I pulled the intake, hoping to find a leak, but I cant see anything obvious.
Also I've got some pretty old fuel in the tank, 3yo mixed with fresh, and a bunch of additives.
Could this be my problem all along?
sorry for the long story, getting a little frustrated with the whole thing. I'm pretty clueless with the diesel, but I'm learning (the hard way)

 

If you suspect a boost leak, you can make a pressure tester to fit on the turbo inlet, and pressurize the whole system with shop air. There is a picture in my gallery of the one I made. I have used it on dozens of trucks and found several leaks.

Also, check your throttle linkage to be sure you are achieving wide open throttle.

 

Have you checked the small steel line from the intake to the IP?

 

I have checked the AFC line, looks OK, sprayed with gas leak detector, couldn't find a leak there. Wish I would have known about tourqefan's adaptor before I pulled the intake apart

One thing I have noticed is that it seems easier to get power from the thing before it reaches full operating temp, and my scoop from the airbox to the rad support is missing. could sucking warm air after the thermostat opening make a substantial difference in performance?

I gotta go put my intake back together, put the cold air intake from the donor in.
On the bright side, I did identify and repair a couple of issues, I just cant wait to get her running right. It's such a cool truck!

 

with the pressure built up in the system you can take a spray bottle with soapy water and spray everything and find the leak

 

Gas leak detector = Fancy expensive soapy water

Anybody with any thoughts on my questionable fuel?
what are symptoms of bad/ stale fuel?
this is my first 1'st gen, had been sitting for 3 years. I have no point of reference as to how it should run.

 

could have some algae in it change the fuel filter see if it helps.

 

So I re-sealed the intake, replaced a section of questionable fuel line on LP inlet, installed piece between air box and rad support. Something changed, idle dropped, was quite a bit more consistent when I drove it. Better power range. I think it will be even better after I burn through this rank fuel.
Now- Overdrive repair