2004 columbia mbe4000 power problems

I've got a Mercedes, sounds like I would start by changing fuel filters. Secondary first- if it didn't improve- then the primary filter.

I would also check the turbo brake and make sure it was not hanging up. Smack it with a hammer from the front side to the back- if the linkage moves back, it's partially closed- common problem.

This motor's had its' share of problems, but lack of torque is not one of them.

 

Do you know what your engine rating is? These go to 450, and also is yours a pre-egr engine or not.

A lot of the '04s were grandfathered in with the pre-egr engine, which gave much better fuel mileage, and had good power. One major weak spot for those was head gaskets and turbos, but I have heard the head gasket thing was fixed. I drove a pre-egr off and on for four years. When it was in the shop and I had to use an egr engine, I was not a happy camper with the fuel mileage and less power.

 

The primary filter can be in different locations- it's commonly low, on the driver's side- on the frame next to your steer tire, but can be found farther forward, by the front fender. The secondary filter is above the driver's side steer tire, on the side of the engine. When you change the secondary filter, unscrew the brass collar at the base of the filter before you remove the filter cap. Most folks don't know this, but there's a metal check ball in the fitting at the filter base- it cuts off the fuel so it won't all drain out while you remove the paper element. After the filter's replaced and the cap's on tight, thread the brass collar back on and you won't need to fill the fuel filter bowl manually while changing the paper element.

The oil filter is on the front of the engine, slightly to the passenger's side- tilted to the front.

And the turbo brake is at the base of the turbo- I'm guessing your model might have a metal loop that goes over the top of the assembly. If it does, you can move it by hand, but don't rap on it too hard with a hammer. If you don't see a metal loop over the exhaust pipe, you might see some linkage behind the turbo hooked to a slave cylinder (like the air cylinder on a sliding fifth wheel)- that's the turbo brake.

If it's partially closed it might free up with some good penetrating oil on the linkage- but usually it's worn out or rusted up.

 

MBE can be an expensive toy- but yours is pre-egr, it'll be a good one. Just need to make sure it gets fuel, air and exhaust flow without restrictions.

 

Mine makes noise- I'll bet yours needs something it's not getting. You'll notice the difference when it's fixed.

Would be a good idea to check air filter restriction, too- a clogged air filter will kill your torque.

And it wouldn't hurt to check the boots on the air-to-air cooler. A loose hose causing intake boost to leak out can be another common problem.