Yikes Again

[Guntherx]

Well,
we sort of made it to CO. The trip out was BAD First the power of the truck was not enough. I scaled it at 22,000. We could not run over 60 on the flat and if there was any hill or wind or anything else but downhill it was down to 50 or less. When we hit Kansas and CO it got worse down to 40-50. I averaged about 5.5 mpg and temps about 1200.

Then it gets better. The new US Gear 2 speed had a plug for the light switches that kept loosening up and we were loosing gear fluid. We tried to epoxy it in after tightening it and thought we had it fixed. Then we had a trailer tire blow out (and I mean BOOM gone) in Kansas. We pulled into a small broken down truck stop to call for a tire repair. While we waited I saw that the 2 speed was leaking again and the plug almost all of the way out.
we hitched a ride into the nearestg town (not big) and found an oversize plug that would work. I had to start it in and then take it out to cut the end of it off so as not to hit the shaft that rides behind it.

So, we are on the road again and stop for even more fuel. I see the generator drainsetup falling out of this guy's generator. Pulled it apart and fixed that. Then while trying to back out of a tight spot at a fuel stop the grill that was in the pickup bed poked a hole in the front of the trailer. When it rains it pours. :bleh:

So we made it. It took all 30 hours to get here. We unhooked and went to the high mountains and man you should see my truck smoke. The high altitude really makes a difference. (12,000 Ft.) I don't know what to do with this truck when I get back. I don't know if the turbo will bring it to life or not.

 

[Michael Fowler]

Sounds like you have something very much amiss. I have been driving a non turbo 6.9 for about 8 years, and, although I've never been to the Rockies, I've always had all the speed i wanted on the flat.
Whether its something simple, like timing, or something more complex, like an engine thats been assembled with the valve timing off, post all your sysmptoms back here, and let the guys who really know these things help figure out what your problem might be.

 

[apextrans]

I'm probably one of the few people who will say this but My Banks Sidewinder did make some difference, but not what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, it is MUCH better than it was. But I was a little disappointed on the first drive. Some misinformation may have contributed to that. Alot of people ( not on this board, just locally) told me after the install, my truck would run like a PSD. Not hardly. I have done some tinkering, guided by a certain Marine on this board, with great results. It still ain't a PSD, but it's getting there. Here's what I did.

1. I only turned the fuel screw the 1/4 turn Banks suggested. I've since cranked it up as far I as could get it to go & backed out a 1/8 turn. BIG difference.

2. I opened up the wastegate (which does void the warrenty) all the way, which took me from 9psi to almost 12psi. Also a big difference.

3. an IC or LPG would probably help a great deal to but I don't have the time or funds for that right now. Search the threads & see what everyone who's done it says. There's a pretty lenghty one called "Let's Talk Intercoolers" Alot of good info & pics.

4. I do have a DPS H20 system in the garage waiting to go on which should make a big improvement, but from what I've heard, that is a short burst kind of thing, so I won't be running it all the time. Supposedly a big power enhancer though.

The only other thing I can say is this. I don't really tow alot with this truck & it sounds like you do alot of towing. I was told more than once that a turbo will really strut it's stuff when you're towing. Maybe it will give you better results since you will be using it for what it's designed for . The other stuff I mentioned can't hurt ya if you do install one though. Just alot of my $.02. Another idea may be a new IP & injectors. I've heard alot of guys say that made huge increases in power. Nicksf2504x4 just put one on I think & he's talking about backing his fuel screw OUT a little!!!!

 

[Agnem]

Greg, SEE! We told you it would make it! 11 tons is a lot of rig. I can't account for the power loss in Kansas. That doesn't really make any sense, unless it's something in the fuel out there (less BTU's maybe? Sounds like you had your foot on the floor the whole way across with those EGT's. When you get home, I'd do a compression test and look at your blow-by to make sure you didn't crack a piston. A turbo WILL make a big difference. I know Scott wasn't impressed, but he is the only person I know who was disappointed. And, if it works out that your disappointed too, and for some reason you end up selling your truck, you'd get your money back for the turbo anyway. That sounds like a really simple problem with the US Gear unit, but a pain none the less. Good luck nursing it back home. We wish you the best! Try to meet up with Rob (F350Camper)while your out there. He may be able to help. Heck, maybe he'll cast you a new case for your US Gear unit.

 

[apextrans]

I wasn't TOTALLY disappointed! I didn't say it didn't make any difference, just not what I was led to believe it would. I had never even been for a ride in a turboed IDI before I did mine, so I had no idea what to expect other than what I was told to expect. THATS where my disappointment came from. Not the turbo itself. I CERTAINLY don't regret spending the money for the turbo. Maybe I misunderstood what Greg was asking about the difference a turbo would make.

 

[F350camper]

You think its bad now, wait till you get here.

You'll swear never to pass through this state turbo-less again.

Well, I think you know what I mean now. And I think you’ll probably agree that you need a turbo at these altitudes, whether you go to the dark side or not.

But hey, At least you made it. I believe your truck could be setup to get done what you’re trying to get done, but I’m with Mel, 11 tons is a whole lot of rig. Not to mention how tall a 5er is pulling all that air with you.

Look at it this way, on the way home it should be all down hill. Seriously though, if the stars do align and you would have a chance to meet up at a truck stop or something shoot me a PM. I’d love to post some pics of the load your tugging.

Ya know, if you think about it, you didn’t do half bad. It would be interesting to disconnect the turbo on one of those Isuzu’s, uh I mean Duramax’s, and make the same run tipping the scales at 22k.

 

[6point9diesel]

We've pulled a 20,000 lbs load along the flats running 60 mph. Takes a while to get there, but it had no problem holding it. That was with an '86 n/a 6.9 and 4.10's. I'm thinking you've got something giving you some grief somewhere.

Paul

 

[tuckerd1]

I tow a 5'er and GCW is 20-21K. With my NA 7.3 I can generally run 70-75 on flats easy enuf but the grades kill me. I get 9-10 mpg with this load.

That was 3 years ago. I have not pulled the 5'er since I bought my land and built my house. Too much to do to go anywhere. Since then I have noticed a considerable loss in power when towing GN hauling tractor and attachments with GCW at 19-20K.

I know im due for IP and injectors. Also turbo upgrade. Coming soon!

Don

 

[Agnem]

A freshened fuel system usually makes the most notible improvement in performance on these IDI's. A new IP, and 8 new injectors probably brings back 15 to 40 HP. They "burn out" so slowly, nobody really notices the degredation until the parts are replaced, and suddenly the rig is peppy again.

 

[tuckerd1]

A freshened fuel system usually makes the most notible improvement in performance on these IDI's. A new IP, and 8 new injectors probably brings back 15 to 40 HP. They "burn out" so slowly, nobody really notices the degredation until the parts are replaced, and suddenly the rig is peppy again.

Ive noticed more loss of power in the last 6 mo than I ever have. Until then it appeared things were pretty normal.

I've been wondering about DPSs Turbo Calibration IP and matched or Stage 1 injectors. Can I install them and turn the pump down until I install the turbo and not see any ill effects, or should I wait until the turbo is installed? Hopefully I'm only talking 1-2 months between the two. Anyone have an opinion?

Do you have to send your IP to Ken for rebuild? If so, how long does it usually take to get it back?

Don

 

[The Warden]

I've been wondering about DPSs Turbo Calibration IP and matched or Stage 1 injectors. Can I install them and turn the pump down until I install the turbo and not see any ill effects, or should I wait until the turbo is installed? Hopefully I'm only talking 1-2 months between the two. Anyone have an opinion?

If you already have a pyro installed, I don't see a problem with installing the DPS IP and injectors on an n/a truck. But, you might want to have made a final decision on what turbo you're getting...I don't know if Ken calibrates individual pumps to work best with each turbo available for an IDI, or if it's a "one-size-fits-all" sort of deal.

That said, if you decide to do so, keep a REAL close eye on your EGT's before putting the turbo on...because it'll be real easy to peg the gauge If you don't have a pyro, I would hold off on the pump and injectors until you get the turbo...personally, I wouldn't want to take a pump that's already calibrated for a turbo and mess with the fuel settings, but that's just me.

Hope that helps some...good luck!

 

[Nickbf2504x4]

Ive noticed more loss of power in the last 6 mo than I ever have. Until then it appeared things were pretty normal.

I've been wondering about DPSs Turbo Calibration IP and matched or Stage 1 injectors. Can I install them and turn the pump down until I install the turbo and not see any ill effects, or should I wait until the turbo is installed? Hopefully I'm only talking 1-2 months between the two. Anyone have an opinion?

Do you have to send your IP to Ken for rebuild? If so, how long does it usually take to get it back?

Don

living in alabama...you will be fine just specify when you order it that your N/A and it'll come way turned down...ive had to turn my DPS pump down 2 1/2 FULL turns up here in CO!!!

 

[rubberfish]

Ya know, if you think about it, you didn’t do half bad. It would be interesting to disconnect the turbo on one of those Isuzu’s, uh I mean Duramax’s, and make the same run tipping the scales at 22k.

That's funny If you do try it, post videos please.
I think I'll put my $5 on the Ford. :Sly
I don't know much about them, (Fords) but,
I do know the D-max is no torque monster.

 

[Guntherx]

Thanks

Well, I think you know what I mean now. And I think you’ll probably agree that you need a turbo at these altitudes, whether you go to the dark side or not.

But hey, At least you made it. I believe your truck could be setup to get done what you’re trying to get done, but I’m with Mel, 11 tons is a whole lot of rig. Not to mention how tall a 5er is pulling all that air with you.

Look at it this way, on the way home it should be all down hill. Seriously though, if the stars do align and you would have a chance to meet up at a truck stop or something shoot me a PM. I’d love to post some pics of the load your tugging.

Ya know, if you think about it, you didn’t do half bad. It would be interesting to disconnect the turbo on one of those Isuzu’s, uh I mean Duramax’s, and make the same run tipping the scales at 22k.

Well, I noticed it seemed as though everything was an uphill pull even thuogh gradual through KS to CO. I'm in the monument area above the springs until sunday. I have been all over the Center here to the Gorge up shelf rd to Victor to Winter Park and through Rocky Mountain Park. We may go to the CO Fair tomorrow am and then mabe to a rodeo in Winter Park Sat. pm. I may head to Denver to night.
If you want to call its ok 443-794-4492

 

[Guntherx]

Mel, I put a new IP and injectors on not too long ago. Tehy don't have 20,000 miles on them. I even replaced the used one that was sent to me before leaving so it would be fresh.
When you are at 12,000 feet you can make it smoke by just touching the throttle. The good news is running around without the camper has brought my average for the trip to 7.6 mpg.