Cummins Diesel Forum banner
Cancel

Hard start, smoke, rattle, no power, mpg drop - no codes

544 Views 12 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  10sc, 
10sc
So a few days ago a neighbor replaced my valve and rocker gaskets to stop an oil leak. While he was in there, I had him put in new wire harnesses to the injectors. The next day and I'm smokin all the time and the normal diesel "rattle" is a higher pitch than what I'm used to. A small increase in the pedal and I'm blocking out the highway with black smoke. If I get on it to pass a semi or something large, my engine will not throttle back until at least a 1/4 mile after I let off. The harder I hit the pedal, the longer it takes to throttle down.

Reading all the posts on here, I figure I've possibly got an air problem. Now I didn't read all posts but the last part about my truck not throttling down is something I didn't find which is why I'm creating yet another post.

I've seen all the posts about checking the intercooler boots and possible injector issues but it seems to me a mighty odd coincidence that this happened right after changing out a couple of gaskets and wire harnesses. Is it possible that a wire harness is defective?
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 6 of 13 Posts
10sc
Cartwheels said:
Sounds very much like overfueling injectors issue, or else he put a big tune on it when he did the work.
I would advise parking it till u find the issue, running it hard with injectors overfueling is a good recipe to wipe out rings and pistons.
Click to expand...
Oh it's overfueling alright. Took it back to him today with it now blowing blue-white smoke out the ying yang. He disconnected the exhaust manifold and fuel poured out of 4,5 and 6 exhaust ports. So what is the likely cause?
Reply
Save
Like
10sc
Apparently water has gotten past my filter and ruined the back 3 injectors. Why the back 3 and not the others? I park on a hill at home with the back of the truck lower than the front. Water/fuel separated as the truck sits and the water finds itself down to the back injectors.

Now it's new injectors and a Fass system on order.
Reply
Save
Like
10sc
Ouch! Pulling out the bad injectors, he noticed a valve sticking. Investigation on why finds a melted piston and a cylinder that is scored and even a hole in the wall.

Sooooo. . . my engine is toast without a full rebuild. Money is a problem. I wonder what kind of trouble I'd get into if I tried to put a 1996 cummins in my truck. I can get one for $3500.
Reply
Save
Like
10sc
Cartwheels said:
Don't do that. 🤣
No honestly it's your decision, I'm not your boss or financial advisor.
If you can do the work yourself it's really not that terribly expensive.
Do u have any mechanical skill? Do u have any friends that could help you?
I'm not surprised you have melted pistons that's not uncommon running with bad injectors.

Anyway I'm putting mine back together, hoping to put the head on tomorrow, here's my thread on it.
www.cumminsforum.com

Engine Knock

November 29, 2022 Driving up interstate and started doing this, the thing that has me confused is it's kindve rhythmic on and off but was getting considerably worse till I got home. Talked to reputable local shop and he suggested trying injector cutout but could not tell any diff. Currently have...
www.cumminsforum.com www.cumminsforum.com
Click to expand...
My mechanical skills end when it comes to the engine. Tie rods, Ujoints, fan clutch, wheel bearings, etc. are one thing but when it comes to the engine, I'm as dumb as the rocks in my driveway. Money is only what I get from SS which ain't much. I've got some saved up but I figure I'm well short of paying someone to rebuild. Even if I did have the knowledge, I developed congestive heart failure about 6 months ago. I don't have the energy to walk without stopping to catch my breath at least every 40 to 50 feet.

I know of a truck that was rebuilt several years ago (pre-china virus) and it cost him $7K. I imagine a 50% increase with today's prices on parts and labor.

I'd really prefer to have it rebuilt - mostly because I want to see it roll over to a million miles. I'm about 335K miles short of that. :LOL:
Reply
Save
Like
10sc
Cartwheels said:
Man I wish u were my neighbor.
Click to expand...
I'd wish you were too but it would have to be because I moved to PA. I wouldn't wish IL on my worst enemy.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 6 of 13 Posts
Cummins Diesel Forum
A forum community dedicated to all things Cummins Diesel! Originally founded for owners and enthusiasts of Cummins powered Dodge pickups, the Cummins Forum has expanded to include ALL Cummins Engine applications! Come join the discussion about reviews, drivetrain swaps, turbos, modifications, classifieds, builds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
03-07 Performance Parts Discussion 03-07 Powertrain 2013-2018 General Discussion 98.5-02 Powertrain 98.5-02 Performance Parts Discussion
Top