8.3 Cummins Lost Power

[Swanman]

Engine starts and runs great. I thought maybe turbo issues but the truck is not smoking, I removed lines from turbo, started truck and plenty of air coming from turbo, also was able to hear turbo wind down after shutdown. New fuel and air filter and fresh oil change. Truck just seems to be needing more air or fuel. I can't pull a load over 45 mph. 95 L-8000 tandem dump.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, trying to avoid the repair shop if possible.

Tim

[Bob Horrell]

Check intercooler hoses to be sure clamps are tight at all connections. A leak in this system essentially renders the turbo ineffective and would cause the symptoms you describe. If you find nothing obvious, you might have to pressurize the system to find a leak.
With intercooler leak problems, about half the time the problem is obvious and the other half it is not obvious and a pressure test is required.

[Swanman]

Thanks Bob,
We found some pin hole size holes in the injector pump diaphram. It's amazing how such small holes can bring a 20 thousand pound truck to its knees!


-Tim