I just bought a 96 3500 4x4 five speed with 194,000 miles with 4.10 gears and bone stock, it does have a minor head gasket leak. Its feels weak to me especially with 4.10 gears. Had a friend drive it that has a truck just like it that is also still stock and he said there is defenitly not enough power there. I am comparing it to my 92 with a couple turns on the fuel screw with intake and exhaust upgrade. I figured it should at least feel somewhat similar since my 92 has 3.55 gears and this truck has a 215hp pump. Acceleration is no where close to my 92. i changed the fuel filter last night and no change. Is it the lift pump or something else?

 

Start with the basics, you need to make sure the fuel lever is all the way up, you need to check the fuel pressure ( should be 25/27 at idle, 23-35 going down the road.

It is also possible that if it wasn't changed, the pre-filter might be clogged.

 

How is the head gasket leaking? Between cylinders, out one cylinder, just coolant out? Can be a loss of compression in one or more cylinders. Like patdaly said start with basics first, fuel pressure, boost leaks, proper AFC function, etc. Even the 215 pumps in stock form de fuel pretty early, around 2200 rpm. Something to consider.

 

Where is the fuel lever? Do I need to replace any gaskets or o rings when I check the pre filter, which is my next move. Also is there a priming lever in case I get some air in the line? Coolant is leaking down the rear passenger side of the block. That fix is coming probably next week.

 

Fuel lever is the shutoff solenoid, towards the back of the pump.



Priming is super easy via the primer button.

 

ok thanks

 

Could be a heater hose leaking....

A lot easier to repair than a head gasket....

 

96 with a 215 pump should be plenty strong. Lots of good ideas mentioned above regarding the common issues on those. when you rev the engine (warm) at a standstill, is it smooth or does it cough and blow white smoke? Roughness could indicate low fuel pressure or late timing.

The things I would check first are: fuel shutoff solenoid binding, boost leak at wastegate actuator or intercooler boot, restricted catalytic converter (if still in place), full throttle travel not being achieved, low fuel pressure.

 

What do your gauges tell you?

If you don't have them, start there.