Low turbo pressure problem

[horseracer]

Wont crank at all right now, but after the vacuum pumps shuts off the battery power is way up there...about 3/4 of the way.
And also to answer the other question about the batteries. It happened in Dallas last time...on a Sunday...they did not unhook them to test them even though I argued with them about it...I knew then I was dealing with idiots. When I got back, my mechanics unhooked them to test them and both tested good. They are a year old...still under full warrantee.
Yes, I am thinking the same thing. I dont think that vaccuum pump should draw that much on the battery...pretty substantial, but I have nothing to compare it too. Next time you start your truck and it makes that noise, see if you see a huge gain in battery power when it shuts off. Come to think of it, it seems to use more power to run the pump than it does to start the truck...that cant be right.

But if I can get it to crank, it usually starts. I will see if battery cables help in the morning.

[horseracer]

As much as I love my truck...the only thing I cannot defend is the electical system. It has given me hell since I got it. But luckily it has been minor things so far...stuff I can live with. My 97 F250 I had previously, was a different story. I owned it for 6 months and it was in the shop 12 times for computer problems...under warrantee, but basically I was paying a hell of a lot of money to drive a rent-a-car. It almost ruined me on Fords! But I had too many good times in my '84 Bronco to let that happen. Not to mention our 1923 Model T. Luckily, I found this truck.
No the truck wont crank...can hear the ignition work, but the starter is not engaging.

[jesilvas]

I replaced three sets of batteries and three alternators and a batter cable before it all finally worked out. A lot of ppl have to do that sometimes and I'm not sure why.
What you can do is just unplug the vacuum pump. No reason it needs to be plugged in to start.
I hate having to just help people online. Always wish I could be there and try to actually fix it myself. That's why I wanna be a diesel tech. So if for some reason you ever get to Lubbock and it does it, let me know and I'll come check it out

[horseracer]

Thanks so much for all your help. About the 20th time I tried to start it, it had no draw...and what do ya know it started! Headed back to the mechanic. Seems they never checked to see how much voltage the starter was pulling when I had this problem the last two times! Seemed kinda logical to me...having had this problem with the Bronco...got a whole checklist in my head...but I try to let them do their job. Yes, nothing in my life is more important than the guys that work on my truck and the guys that work on my horses... they can make me successful or they can make me into a failure. Thanks again!

[jesilvas]

Yea could very well be the starter.
No problem. You'll love using this forum for all kinds of things. Don't ever hesitate to ask for help.

[horseracer]

I did have the starter replaced...so back on the road...hopefully the turbo wont give me too much trouble on my trip.

[jesilvas]

Well that's good.
Just let us know if you need more help.

[horseracer]

Update... Well got the new starter. Got a new KnN filter...cause 8 yrs was apparently enough for my old one...but with it breathing better, the noise only got worse, and more consistent. I then realized it happened when my automatic transmission shifted from 2rd to 3rd gear. Rechecked the fluid when it was cold...it was low added a half a quart at the auto shop...and we both thought we actually overfilled it. Had the trailer on it to take it to the transmission shop that put it in last year. Checked it again...still low. He said you have to look at the lower level fluid mark...but every time he stuck it back in it registered different...til he was frustrated. Can't they make a better dipstick? I don't ever remember having any problem reading a Trans dipstick in the past. I guess that is why this got by not just me but everyone that has worked on my truck in the last few months. Don't see a leak, so it had to be a slow progression. I guess some of the problem could be splashing from the vibration of the motor can cause it to read higher than it truely is. But bottom line...we put about a quart and a half in plus the half quart I had put in that morning. The truck drives perfect now...of course who knows if I did any damage to it while it was low. The manager of the transmission place was apparently upset with the mechanics honesty of telling me that I might have gotten lucky. He of course told me that I have to bring it back immediately...that something is definitely broken inside there...that it has definitely got to come out! Well, I couldn't run away faster.

So what now, oh wise ones? Do I drive it a while and have the transmission serviced (not flushed) or do I just keep driving it. I have always serviced my transmissions in the past, but alot of people don't even believe in that. I have put about 51K on this transmission in a little over a year... I didnt realize I had done that many...and have done it every 25K in the past.

[jesilvas]

Uh K&Ns aren't too good for these trucks. Some people say they are ok but there's a lot of people who have run them then had compressor wheels dusted and some engines too. Might wanna think about a different filter.
What kinda noise is it making again?
I would probably drop the trans pan and filter and just see what kinda shavings you have in there. If it's a lot or really big pieces, it's a problem. If not, should be ok. Fresh fluid never hurts.

[horseracer]

What air filter options do I have? The one that the powerstroke repair shop showed me was a little more than I wanted to spend without knowing that was the problem. It would require a modification. I have had pretty good luck with my KnN as compared to the horrible design of the factory models they made for my truck manuf date 4/98. My friend has a later 99 and they corrected the problem, with a different design. The KnN was the only filter I knew of that would fit my truck as is. After I deal with the transmission issues, I would consider other air filter options...but right now I kinda want to hold onto my pennies. The proble/noise was only when pulling a trailer...going from 2nd to 3rd...started out just an air blowing type sound...not a whistle...then in the last day or two developed into a noise similar to touching some plastic to a grinder for 1 second and then it was gone. I will do the service next week. If it ruined it is already ruined, and I want to make sure I take it to the right place. I dont want to burn the bridge with them as they are the only ones that offer 3 yr or 36K warranty. I really need that many miles to see if it is gonna be good. And if all of this is because of low transmission fluid...then I can only blame myself.