Hey guys hows it going? ive got a 1998 dodge 3500 12V with a 5 speed with 230,000 miles on her. since my wife has had this truck it has had no power. she bought it about 7 years ago. it is now mine since i bought her a new one. it literally takes forever to get up to the speed limit. i have just recently straight piped it and took the silencer ring out. the turbo seems to sound ok but i just noticed that the turbo is slinging oil everywhere and plan to swap it out later this week. any ideas what else could be a problem?? this truck is running a lil bit better since the exhaust is cut out but i need this thing to run better so i can start hauling with it again. i cant pass anyone on the road unless ive got bout a mile of road going down hill and still have a hard time of getting around them. another recent issue with it is some times it isnt wanting to fire up. it takes 3-4 tries before it fires. im just nervous its gonna end up burning up my starter. thanks guys any input is much appreciated.

 

How long has it been since you changed the fuel filter?

 

also look into the fuel shot off solenoid... sometimes when they're on their way out they'll only go 1/2 travel or so and wont let the pump work the way it wants.

 

x2 on the selinoid. mine was loose for a couple days, noticed it when my boost wasnt as high as normal

 

Your lift pump could also be bad. Change the fuel filter. If you can't get it to prime for nothing after that then it is likely your lift pump.

 

the fuel filter was changed on the last oil change about 1500 miles ago. she had it changed every other oil change. where is the fuel shut off silenoid located at? i will go ahead and probably change it out again and try to look at the silenoid and if it comes down to it replacing the lift pump.

 

the shut off solenoid is on the back side of the pump over the governor housing (big round part of the pump) there'll be 3 heavy gauge wires running to it. find it; and when its running see if you can lift up on the lever any further; if you can after you pull it up take it for a drive; see if it makes a difference; if not i'll go with kazairl and look into the lift pump. only problem is; if it doesnt prime don't count the pump out quite yet. if the cam is in the position for the eccentric to pump it won't work through the manual lever. bump the engine and then try it again, you should be able to feel it working/ see it obviously if it doesn't work after that you need to replace it. it's too bad you don't have any gauges that you could use for diagnostic purposes, as 94cummins said he noticed his boost was low. this could point at a leak in the intake or just not enough fuel being delivered. good luck

 

thanks for the help guys. i really appreciate it

 

take the shut off solenoid off and slide the fuel plate forward if your puttin a diff turbo on it you will know a hell of a difference trust me. you will be able to pass people then

 

clean your sediment bowl and screen