Loss of Motor Power

[BDStinson]

Hi all,

'03 Fleetwood Excursion with a 330HP Cat / Allison transmission / Freightliner XC chassis. Driving home last week, we noticed a significant loss of power. Couldn't keep the speed limit on even the slightest uphill grades on the interstate.

I'm sure it could be one of a hundred things, but any ideas where to start?

Thanks, Brian

[tomwalt]

I'm not a diesel guy, but here are some ideas to get you started thinking about this until a more knowledgable guy chimes in. I defined this as a Loss of power, no other indications (engine runs/starts OK, no engine error codes etc):
1) Did you recently fuel up? Maybe Water/gunk in the fuel filters.
2) fuel injector cleaner or other diesel chemical treatments available to try?
3) any noise difference - like whistling? - does the turbo whine normally?
4) I don't know how, but can you test the fuel pump while checking the fuel filter?

[tomwalt]

Also, to attract the right help I think you may want to edit this post and change the name to something like "Help - Loss of Diesel Engine Power".
Good luck - let us know the results.

[1ciderdog]

You might want to post this question on the Caterpillar Engine Forum on this site. Often with diesel engines loss of power is either clogged fuel or air filters or both.
Bob

[siggyd]

First thing: Replace your fuel filters! If you are handy,cut the old filters open,see if there is any black slime (algae).

[movin-on]

Sounds like a fuel filter...On your 03, you probably only have one 2 micron filter...Doesn't take much to clog it....

[BDStinson]

I really appreciate the advice! Changed the rail fuel filter and it made all the difference in the world. Emptied the old filter and found a lot of black junk in it (see photo). The red color is from some transmission fluid also in the bucket. Cut the filter housing and pulled the filter out (photo also attached). I don't know how to tell if there is algae at work in my tank or not. Just looks black and slick. Any comments on this would be appreciated.

Thanks again to all who commented. This transition from gas to DP is proving to be a real learning curve.

Brian

[Pusherman]

Most likely algae from the fuel tank. Put some algacide in the tank. You may need to change your fuel filters another time within 1/2 the normal time (usually 1X/year) to get the gunk out.

[MegaRoadie]

Peugeot, one of the oldest diesel engine makers in the world told me back in the early 1980's that ATF, no matter the brand, has the highest algecide concentration of any diesel fuel compatable mix you can buy. It is typically 1/6th the price of special algecides and much more effective. So effective my Peugeot 505 TD went 485,000 miles, I gave it to my eldest son as wedding gift and he and new bride put over 130,00 more trouble free miles on it and sold the 1981 in 2001 for $4,000.00 to the first couple that looked at it. I also have put 167,000 miles on 93 Chevy 6.5 TD and typically run 20, 000 miles between filter changes. The ATF is especially effective when the diesel has frequent periods of not being run. Lots of experience with ATF and I wouldnt use anything else in my diesel fuel system. Typically I use 8 ounces to 32 gallons of fuel and double that when I know the diesel will sit for any period of time.

Be safe out there and enjoy the open roads... thank a Veteran for your freedoms !!!

[Skip426]

On any filter, air or fuel, black is not good ! Metalic flakes, even worse. The filter pictured is as plugged as they get and still run. I like the ATF advice, thanks.
Carry another filter, you may need it real soon.