This is my second post on the board.The first was when I crawed under the pice of crap and saw a big 53 looking back at me.As this '99' one ton was bought to be a work truck I was hoping for something good and tuff.As this is a dump unit I didn't want something I'd have to baby and work on all the time.I could have kept my old '84' ford with 200000 mi if I'd wanted to do that.
This morning hauling 3 ton load every time I'd hit 2200-2300 rpm blue smoke came out and it'd stop pulling until the rpm went below that mark.Runs fine and pulls hard until that point.
Go ahead and tell me the bad news.
Also I've already called a dealer about warranty,he said 5yr 100,000 miles.I bought it used.Unless it was sold way up in 2000 I'II be S#*t out of luck if it is something bad,I know its nothing good.
Truck only has 78,000 on it.
Thanks,
tony3542

 

Have you checked the fuel pressure??? Checked for codes yet?? Changed the fuel filter???

Sounds like an IP issue, just because it ahs a #53 doesn't mean you are doomed.

Geez you sound bitter. It's a machine!

I'd start with checking the codes and fuel pressure and the go from there.

 

Smoking will have nothing to do with the #53 block. If it should crack, the engine will run just fine, but will leak water out the side of the engine. Sounds like what was said, starving for fuel.

 

Tool and Dixie,
I don't know much about working on trucks,thats why I was hopeing for a good trouble free work truck.How do you check the pressure and codes?I can figure out how to change the fuel filter.Anybody know a good diesel mocanic in Nashville Tn .area?
Bitter,You might say that.When you saved your hard earned money to buy a low milage truck to work with and find out these trucks have a lot of problems.But thats my fault for not doing more checking and research before my purchase.Plus I know when you buy used vehicles you are taking a risk.Who knows maybe it is just a fuel filter,I could use a bit of good luck a this point.

Thanks Guys,
tony3542

 

On the 99s there are two brass plugs (1/8 npt) on top of the fuel filter canister. That is the easiest place to check your fuel pressure. You can order a gauge online. If you are going to keep the truck it might be wise to install a gauge pod in the cab so you can keep an eye on it. A EGT guage might also be wise too. I think most will agree that the IP will last a good while as long as they are supplied will a good volume of fuel from a heathly lift pump. If you need a new lift pump get one from Cummins for around $160 and about 1 hour to install yourself. If your check engine light hasn't come on you might be OK with the IP, but if the IP is bad then for sure you will like your truck even less, about $1,000 for new IP.

Might be worth checking all you after-cooler boots for leaks. I stock truck should make around 18-20 lbs of boost.

I wouldn't drive the truck much until you have it figured out.

 

You mean you put 6,000 # load in the bed of the truck??

To pull the codes you will need a scanner, apperently Autozone can do this for free. I have my own scanner.

Testing the fuel pressure on a '99 is easy. There are two fittings on top of the filter canister, I think you need an 11MM wrench to remove them. They are 1/8" NPT thread. Pick up a cheap pressure gauge almost anywhere, mines was $13 at an industrial supply store, I used 1/8" fitting on the cannister with 1/4" hose barb, 5' of rubber fuel line and another barb and 1/" female to connect to the gauge. either keep the window down and hold the gauge in your hand or tape it with duct tape to the windshield. Drive the truck.
pressure should never get below 5 psi. You should see like,,,, 15 psi at idle with a good pump? 12 or so cruise and hopefully around 10 at wide open throttle.

What does your air filter look like???

The other thing to try, check out tech facts and look at the APPS reset preocedure.