The truck is a 1985 W900 with a big cam 400 Cummins. I'm planning on buying the truck but I need help. The owner was hauling a load when he lost power. It would still run but with major black smoke. I was told it probably melted a piston, can't hardly believe that when it was a sudden event. I've been thinking and told that it is probably a bad turbo.

Anyone have any input on this?

 

Turbo, intercooler, piping, boot... Plastic bag sucked into the air cleaner, etc. Its something to do with the intake of air. He's probably right, the turbo is likely shot... Question is why. High EGT's can kill a turbo, and wreck a lot of parts as well. Just keep an eye open on anything else that looks out of place.

 

most likely one of the intercooler rubber boots got hole in it,if it's all of suden and assuming that turbo is good.also check for exaust side if turbo i have seen a lot of shafts broken in the back and wouldnt leak oil as usualy does when turbo goes bad.Good luck

 

they are right.........its lack of air

pull the inlet filter and see if the pinwheel is free to spin, wiggle it to check for bearing slop............check the boots real good specially the first one after the charger

 

also think air filter or turbo is the problem

 

Thanks for the input guys. Hadn't thought about the intercooler plumbing. Will check all of the above when I have a chance( I live 2 1/2 hours from where the truck is being stored).

So pretty much if I figure out where I'm losing my boost(air intake) the engine itself shouldn't need an in frame over haul, right??

Anyone know anything about hot rodding these old Big Cam Cummins motors???

Anyone have any suggestions on how to get ahold of some second hand truck batteries?

Two of mine are dead, just need two more real quick to get it up and going to finish diagnosing.

Thanks,

Shawn

 

The engine itself should be fine, and yes, you can really crank up those old big cam motors. No idea on the batteries...

 

put an n-14 turbo on it they spool quick and flow alot of air and bolt right up

 

And choke out the top end...

 

Any updates??