1997 cummins problem. NEED HELP!
 

Here is the problem my truck is having. When I first start the truck, I have to give it a little throttle to start which I have heard is semi normal. That I can deal with. My main issue is I have to keep my foot on the throttle for about 30 seconds to keep it running. Then I have to let it idle for another several minutes until I can put it in gear or even turn the A/C on or it will just stall. So really the main issue is that it bogs out and stalls easily even just turning the AC on.
Here is what I have done / tested so far.
-raised the idle to 1100 rpms....that's the only way I can even drive the truck
-tested fuel pressure 28 psi (and purchased adjustable overflow valve to jack up fuel pressure)
-replaced fuel filter

The truck has 195k on it and the previous owner ran it with some sort of bio diesel setup which I removed. When I changed the fuel filter, I found some sludgy looking crap in there. I am wondering if my issue may be with the injectors at low rpm or if the injection pump is the problem. Once its warmed up and idling at 1100 rpms, the truck runs great and has a ton of power.

Any information or ideas would be appreciated. On a side note, I am a master tech with many years of mechanical background....but to be honest, I don't know a damn thing about diesels. :argh:

Timing .. Need to have the timing checked ..

I was told by the previous owner that the timing is set to 16 degrees.

I can and does slip .. mine has done it twice .. :argh:

PITA !!!! .... have it verified

Really?? I didn't think it could slip. What is a good degree to set it to. I have read many different opinions.....and iI understand 12.5 Is about stock

i have mine @ 15.5* .. and she's an animal :rocking:

Be careful if your not running head studs .. too much timing can cause excessive cylinder pressure and it will pop a HG real quick .. :td:

What kind of tools do I need to check / adjust the timing. ?

umm .. you will need to pull the injector lines, pull #1 DV, a DV Height checker ( you will be using the cam in the IP to reference timing ..) .. Ip grear puller .. and a few hand tools ..

Not something a shop guy who dosent knwo how its done .. or done this before ... :td:

so i checked the timing and it was at 16 degrees. i set it to stock just to eliminate timing and still exactly the same. still have to run the high idle to keep her from stalling