Hey guys
So last night, i was driving, and my rig was acting strange. In 2nd gear it will go up to 2700 rpm no problem. 3rd gear it would accelerate and at 2250 would just stop accelerating, and just hang at that rpm, sounding like it wanted to keep spinning but wont, while white smoke POURED from my tail pipe. I mean lots of white smoke......any ideas?

 

Symptoms:

Excessive white exhaust smoke or lack of power.

Diagnosis:

1. Engine Running Too Cold: Check coolant temperature by placing radiator thermometer in radiator. Replace thermostat if necessary.

2. Low Coolant Level; Check coolant level in the reserve tank and radiator, correct as required.

3. Verify with the owner that the proper starting procedure is being used. Refer to the starting and operating procedure, Pages 46 - 57, listed in the 1994 New Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel Owners Manual (Publication No. 81-326-9422).

4. Verify with the owner that the fuel quality meets recommendations. Refer to Pages 29 and 30 in the Owners Manual.

5. Inspect the air cleaner for any restriction. Replace as required.

If above fails to correct problem timing has slipped and must be reset.

 

The same fuel has been used for a while, and no issues. As for the cool running. It was a while into my trip. So the engine must have been pretty hot by that point. Cause i was using the heat and was toasty. The air filter looks pretty filthy. and the air filter restriction gauge is half way...I will try that.

How do i check/reset the timing?

thanks

 

you will need timing tools or have someone with timing tools do it. they are about $250 from snap on.

 

I'd replace the filter, Even at halfway it might not be able to suck enough air in 3rd but in 2nd no problem not as big of a load on it.

 

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1994/18-10-94a.htm

 

what about a fuel filter restriction? Mine smokes white when my filter needs to be changed, not as severe though. Be worth changing, start with the easy stuff first.

 

It needs a total filter change. No idea when anything was changed. So i have to do an oil change, fuel filter change, air filter change....Is there only one fuel filter on this engine? where is it?
any info would be great!

 

I had the same thing happen!!!!

I changed the filter, thought it was timing, sening unit. It was the lift pump. Put it in and it was night and day.
The lift pump will be weak and then fine when it starts going bad. Check it out.

Bob

 

Yep, good advice above. I'd give the fuel system a good look. Check the pressure, it may need a lift pump or an overflow valve. If it starts and idles normally, I'd tend to rule out an air leak in the fuel system, but otherwise I'd check that too. Slipped timing is a good possibility too.