[lastcall190]

Perhaps it's because I am somewhat new to a manual transmission diesel truck, but I can't help but feel I'm shifting in completely the wrong spot. Typically I start in 2nd gear, rev out to about 2k, shift to third, roll through that to around 2k, and shift to 4th and the RPMs just nose dive and then whatever head of steam I had is lost... once the RPMs pick up to around 1500 it starts to move out again. I don't have any smoke which I guess isn't a bad thing, but everyplace says turn the starwheel until I see smoke... I've never seen any hahaha...

Am I shifting WAY too early? Do these motors want to rev out past 2k? Few quick details about the truck:

#11 Fuel Plate in stock position (prior owner), starwheel turned a bit (zero smoke on throttle tip in... maybe I need more turns?), AFC slid forward, and 5" straight pipe. I have a pyro gauge on the way, and the reason I haven't hardly futzed with it is because I simply don't want to burn things up while running around blind. Have new OFV, filter, prefilter, though I'm not sure if fuel pressure would have a big impact (got the parts for that too just have to get some free time to tap the banjo bolt).

Would I benefit from a few more RPM? I have 410s so the motor likes to rev out to begin with... thanks for the insight.

-J

 

[lastcall190]

Thanks for the input. On the highway I am already in 5th when I merge, so mostly around town. I agree it seems like a good place to shift, but it just seems that 2 to 3 puts the RPMs in a nice "pulling" range, then 3 to 4 drops me in the cellar and I almost have to lug it to get out of my own way... I tried bringing 3rd a few more RPM, but it just seems like more noise and no more get up and go (probably where a GSK comes into play, heh...).

And I know what you mean with the O/D, my Chevy used to do that... then wonder what gear it REALLY wanted to be in, then make dinner, and then do my taxes (damn Allison transmission is sometimes too smart...).

-J

 

[lastcall190]

Thanks for the input everyone. I will be setting up a FP gauge to monitor when I get my pillar in and see where I'm at. I gotta say compared to how the truck was with no mods versus now, it's better now, but I gotta think it can be better. I'm gonna check the valves and adjust when I get a free Saturday, and check my timing as well (not saying it's the cause of anything, but 233k miles and not sure the last time it was done... might as well check it).

-J