Turbo question (Updated) (FIXED) :>)

Since you can generate full boost on flat ground (my translation is for a short time) I would rule out a low boost turbo or leak in tubing or CAC-- at least for right now. Leaks don't magically fix themselves.

Since this low boost does occur under what I suspect is continued high throttle position, the first place I would look is the fuel filters. Restricted fuel flow will first show up under extended high demand situations. Start there.

For how long as you start up the hill do you have 20+ psi? Does it drop all at once or slowly as you loose power? X2 on starting with the easy stuff first... fuel filters.

Is it down on power and blowing black smoke when the gauge reads low ? Or everything fine except reading on gauge ?

A high altitude turbo will get you more boost. But turbos aren't cheap.

Thanks for the replies. It is down on power but no black smoke.

The low boost is under high throttle position.

The problem started when I was about 5 miles from campground so I didn't observe all that I should have.

The fuel bowl on bottom of filter is clear. Can it still be a problem with filter? I'll change the filter anyway--just wondering. And I'll buy a couple of extras before we get back on the road. (Will be here (Crossville, Tn) for a week.) That should give me time to check out any other suggestions. :>)

We are headed to Gaffney, SC Freightliner service center for our annual service. Just hoping to be able to get there!!

Any more ideas/suggestions are welcome.

Thanks
DICK

Dick,

Agree, change filters now. And depending on particulate size of contaminant, yes the bowl can be clear, but the filter media clogged.

Cut open both filters if you have the time and a hack saw to see if that is your problem.

X5 on the fuel filters.

wolfe10 wrote:
Dick,

Agree, change filters now. And depending on particulate size of contaminant, yes the bowl can be clear, but the filter media clogged.

Cut open both filters if you have the time and a hack saw to see if that is your problem.

"Both filters"--I thought I had only one. Looks like I'll be digging even deeper.

Thanks wolfe10

DICK

Dick,

Your chassis maker chooses the number and location of the filters.

You could have two, or just one. VERY CRITICAL DIFFERENCE!

If two, the first is a course filter element (10-30 micron) and the second a fine filter element (2-5 micron).

So, though the filter elements all fit the same filter base (i.e. you can get a 2 or a 30 micron element to fit the same filter base) using the wrong one can lead to problems. Worse case is if you have a single filter and fit the primary filter for a two filter system. Instead of filtering to 2 microns, you are filtering only to 30 microns-- that is like throwing rocks at the injectors.

So, check with your chassis manufacturer with your VIN.

Thanks wolfe10,
I pulled my last invoice from Freightliner Service Center and I do have 2 filters. Also found out that I cannot work on MH while in this park. At least the kind of work that could make a mess. I found a local truck repair (about 3 miles away)and they will change the filters on mon AM when I leave for Gaffney. I can even leave the toad hooked up. If I supply my own filters they will do it for $35.00. Worth it to me.

Thanks again to all that replied,
DICK