PSD Nebie Questions, disappointing towing power

[BlackJeep]

Hi all, my first post here.

I just purchased a 2000 F350 Crew Cab, LWB, 6 speed manual, 4.10 gears, 4x4 with 153k on the odometer. It starts and runs very well, it's clean all around, dry in the engine compartment and underneath. I'm no stranger to diesels, I have a 2005 Dodge RAM with the Cummins engine and a sordid past with a troublesome GM 6.2 way back when...

I tried towing my 9500lb travel trailer today for the first time and it was a little disappointing. It was very slow to accelerate from a stop, and on the highway could not maintain 70 on even mild inclines. Maybe I'm expecting too much from it, but I thought it would have a lot more power.

Even when running empty it sounds a little funny to me at times. It starts off in gear with a nice sounding diesel rattle, but gets really quiet and a bit dead around 2000 RPMs. If I step on it harder it will rattle a little and acclelerate more, but the "dead" spot feels weird. Is this common with the PSD?

I've read a lot of your posts and tech articles, I'm glad I found this site. Thanks for your advice.

John

[AJF]

to the org

Someone should be on quick to answer your question here soon

[99bigred]

i bet a chip could do you ALOT of good...but then you need gauges

welcome

[95and05]

mine stock pulls a 7500# trailer and is not like that at all. it's not the same as empty of course but not sluggish and no dead spot like you describe. hang out for a few and a tech will see this and hopefully be able to help you out.
and welcome to the ORG

[99bigred]

you may want to do some maitnance like oil and fuel filter. the fuel filter could be hurting the performance. running a bottle of diesel kleen throught it wouldnt hurt either.

[07OUTLAW]

I'm not going to be much help with your prob. But it might help to change filters and fluids. Start there and see what happens. A tech should be along soon to help out more.

[TurboSevenThree]

I'm not a tech. But it seems like that dead spot should be turbo boost. On my 2000 F350 Auto, cruisin along and then getting on it on a hell it rattles and ALMOST bogs (sounds like you just hear the engine go faster and louder), then the tach just shoots from 2000 to 3100 in less than a second and that boost gauge is climbin. Maybe you have a jacked turbo or a massive boost leak, I have no idea for sure, but it's an educated guess at least.

[strokin_early_99]

Start with the basic maintainance items of fuel filter, air filter and an oil change. While you are under the hood check all the intercooler boots and tighten as necessary. You might even pull then rubber tube before that lead into the turbo and wiggle the turbo shaft so see if it will wiggle. A little up an down is normal but in and out is bad.

It should tow your trailer with ease.

[sflem849]

That trailer should be no problem. The 4.10 gears should help even more.

- Check IC boots for leaks then clean and retighten. HINT - Spray the pipe with Aquanet before you put things back together.
- Check the up/down pipes for leaks.
- Fuel Filter

I always thought my truck will a little gutless when you would punch it while rolling. It would make a lot of noise then LAUNCH. Now that I have the exhaust it got rid of all of that. Ditch your muffler and you will see a lot more drivability.

Good luck and PM sent.