Cummins 8.3 diesel problem.

[larrylu62]

Left Florida heading for home on Monday 3/9/15. 850 mile trip, so it takes two days.
During that two days there were 3 times that while going very slow, the engine lost power. It would not accelerate and black smoke rolled out of the exhaust. After a few seconds, and one time over a minute, it kicked back in and every thing was normal. Made it home but am concerned.
I'm not a mechanic, but I am suspecting an injector problem or a stuck valve. Does anyone out there have knowledge on this problem.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Larry

[ScottG]

Exhaust brake wont cause that if it sticks and way too old for regen - besides, it doesn't look like that.

You probably have an 03 eng/chassis which means early common rail.
Since it's not doing it now it will be very hard to diagnose
Here's a couple of thoughts though: if it was a stuck injector it could quickly burn a hole through a piston. Could have been a low boost issue too but it would be nearly impossible for that to fix itself. However, low boost with that much fuel will result in extreme EGT - enough to melt pistons in 30~60 seconds. I just tell you these things so you are aware.
You also might check the 2 piece exhaust manifold for cracks - they are fairly common on the 8.3's.
Good luck, hope it's just a sensor or some other cheapy fix.

[05kountrystar]

I would strongly advise replacing both fuel filters,then cut open the old filters to check for algae or water.

[larrylu62]

Exhaust brake was off.

Looks like I'm going to have to bite the bullet.

Thanks to all for the info and suggestions.

[sjholt]

Exhaust brake sticking?

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Too old to be regeneration, right?

Then my opinion weighs heavily on taking the rig to a Cummins engine dealership and let them have at it. Whatever and however please post how things turn out.

[larrylu62]

2004 Monaco Diplomat

[ScottG]

What year?
Some years are very different from others.

BTW, if it does that again you need to stop - or risk destroying the engine.