2006 Cummins ISX 400, low power, lots of black smoke from stack

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by methane, Apr 20, 2013.

  1. methane

    methane Bobtail Member

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    EB into Rawlins, WY truck lost power and lots of black smoke from stack when on the accelerator. Got it into T/A and tech checked Air to Air and CAC and all piping. found no problems or leaks. Didn't have equip to test turbo boost though. Did say that rear two cylinders were running cooler than others. Suspects valve or injector. Any suggestions to help? If i tried to limp it to Salt Lake City where I live (300ish miles), would it cause more of a problem? Any advise on a good shop here in town? Its Sat evening, Wyoming Diesel Service cant get it in until late Monday or possibly Tuesday. Elk Mountain can get it in Monday morning. Any other shops or mechanics worth calling here?
     
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  3. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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  4. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    If the CAC and boots are within spec, the next thing I'd check would be the turbo actuator. Pull the actuator off and see if the shaft is frozen, or difficult to move. It should move freely as it changes the geometry of the vanes inside the turbo.

    Another thing could be a stuck / faulty EGR valve.
     
    Lepton1 and methane Thank this.
  5. methane

    methane Bobtail Member

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    T/A tech did check actuator, but not by taking it off. He had me rev the engine while he watched it/ felt it as well I think. I couldn't see what he was doing exactly.
     
  6. methane

    methane Bobtail Member

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    No check engine lights at all. Seems to idle and run smoothly, just no power and a lot of smoke. can hear turbo whine when at higher RPM like above 1300.
     
  7. freightrunner

    freightrunner Heavy Load Member

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    Black smoke is fuel that didn't get converted to power.
     
  8. methane

    methane Bobtail Member

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    Yes, I realize that. But not sure what is causing it not to be burned.
     
  9. methane

    methane Bobtail Member

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    Do you think it would be detrimental to try to run the 300 miles to SLC?
     
  10. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    Notice any difference in your jake brake? Does it seem not as strong? That could indicate problems with the actuation inside the turbo as well (even if the actuator arm is moving freely) due to worn components.

    Otherwise, my next check would be the EGR valve.
     
  11. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    I really couldn't answer this with any authority. If it was running great and then all of a sudden went into this symptomology, I'd worry about getting stranded on the side of the road. I paid $400 for towing my truck and trailer 10 miles a few weeks ago. I'd hate to see the charge to go 100+ miles.

    If you have time and can let the truck cool down overnight; I'd do that and unplug the EGR (using the correct procedure) to see if that helped.
     
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