have a 94 dodge 3/4 ton rclb 4x4 5spd ctd truck with a little over 300k on it it will barely keep up with traffic even without a load any ideas and what do i need to check, what wears out, what can i do to tune this thing up to make it run a little better dont know much about ctds im a gm tech I know lots about duramax's but that wont help me much here. any help would be great

 

How long since you replaced your fuel filter? I think they make diesel fuel system cleaner. Also look into some performance stuff, a guy that brings his 98 CTD 3500 into the shop I work has an edge chip, straight pipe and an AFE stage 1 and that thing runs like a bat out of hell. He is a friend of the owners, so me and the owners son used it to move some horses once, 50' horse trailer with 5 horses, it pulled it like nothing was there. Try that in anything but a Dodge.

 

Fuel filter, air filter, valve lash adjustment. There is also a filter screen on your fuel preheater. It is on the drivers side of the block right next to your lift pump. That is the FIRST place that fuel is filtered. 300k makes me think it has surpassed it's life expectancy...lol. It looks just like a carb bowl on a lawn mower engine. I know another constant problem with the 94/95's was the fuel pressure relief valve. If it fails in the open position, the engine can be hard to start, lack of power, etc. It's a very easy change. If you have never changed yours, I would seriously consider looking there as a cause for low power.

That is a basic description of where to start looking. Dirty injectors is another possibility as is poor compression. 300k is a good run. Might be time for an overhaul. Our motors are well worth it though.


Good luck.