C-9 engine problem

[lhill]

My traveling Buddy has an '07 Revolution with a C-9 engine problem. When the cold engine is first started, the exhaust puffs out a bit of black smoke and the exhaust note sounds as if the engine is missing half a beat. Once you drive off, the engine has very little power and struggles to get to 60 MPH on a flat road. If you encounter a hill, the speed bleeds off quickly and the engine will actually give a shudder before it downshifts from 6 to 5 to 4. After about 20 or so minutes the power will start to slowly return and the engine begins to pull like a mule and will be fine for the rest of the day.....
Next morning, the cold engine will go thru the same routine again. Any thoughts?

[Tha_Rooster]

Are you sure that all cylinders are firing when you release the key? Have you tried turning it off and restarting?

[atomic98]

Does the check engine light come on? If it does, I think you can read the codes with the two cruise toggles. Check the owners manual or online for instructions to read. The black smoke sure sounds like an injector putting too much diesel in. It would shudder and misfire, but I think it would show a code

[lhill]

No Check Engine Light or any other indications......Thanks for your input!

[wb6epp]

It's time to have the ECM read. The little puff of black is OK, as that is fuel, maybe a pressure bleedoff from sitting. Next, when was the last time fuel filters was checked? Any Chems in the fuel for winter? If you are following your buddy, what does the exhaust look like? I would also check the boots on the output side of the turbo. But honestly I don't think it is that, since it picks back up slowly.
Good luck & happy travels.
Ron

[Tha_Rooster]

You stated when cold I still believe it's not firing on all cylinders mine has done that from releasing the key before it's cranked. Just turn it off and restart. You don't want to be driving it missing firing forcing unburied fuel in the engine. Just try it what's it going to hurt.

[lhill]

Thanks, I'll ask him to give that a try, don't think he's tried that yet!