The Service Advisor at Bridgeway Cummins commented that my mediocre power could be caused by a fuel solenoid not fully opening. Like the water temp sender I may or may not need, the fuel solenoid is easily accessible and relatively inexpensive. So, who knows, maybe after replacing it I will be able to cruise at 80 ;^) But seriously, I will be completely satisfied if I can cruise while towing 60-65 as the Yales did. Eager to have Bridgeway address the two issues at their shop tomorrow.

moved from Barth Journeys to Tech Talk

quote:

Originally posted by Deb&Eds35:
ON THE ROAD AGAIN! ... Thanks Bill

You're welcome Ed.

quote:

Originally posted by Mogan David:
The Service Advisor at Bridgeway Cummins commented that my mediocre power could be caused by a fuel solenoid not fully opening.

Just ask Tom & Nancy Johns about that.

Click here to read about their related issue... Cat has a problem

If my poor power is due to the hold-up winding of the fuel solenoid, I will consider the "Larry B's Super Solenoid" from Fostertruck.com
The solenoid seems to be functioning properly for initial lift and for immediate shutdown. There is an adjusting nut on the plunger. Shortening the throw might be all that is needed. If the hold-up winding were open, I doubt I could get to 60mph at all. After leaving Lloyd Bridges Traveland with a fresh fuel filter. I was able to hold 60 on flat ground, but expect that might diminish when I start pulling a trailer with my MINI on it. Or is there enough torque in the 5.9 that towing 4K won't make a difference?

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Originally posted by Mogan David:
The solenoid seems to be functioning properly for initial lift and for immediate shutdown.

On the 5.9L and 8.3L Cummins your solenoid has external linkages and stops that you can see. Turn on key and watch to see if it retracts fully against the stops. If the solenoid has 3 wires, you'll have to slightly bump the key (like you're starting it, but don't) to get the solenoid to retract.

You might want to use a wire tie or bailing wire and hold it all of the way retracted - go for a test drive and see if you have more power.

Also, check throttle travel... Again, you can see where the full fuel stops are. Have someone hold down the throttle pedal (engine not running and key on) and make sure that you have full travel from the idle stop to the full travel stop.

On a 3208 Cat and an 8.2L Detroit the shutdown plunger is all internal. You'll have to remove it to see if it retracts fully.

If you have no modifications to the original drive train of your Breakaway, then 60 is about tops on level ground. You might be able to get it up to 65 with a wind behind you or downhill.
Towing on "flat terrain" should not be a problem. It is when you go up any incline. I never had a problem towing 5,000 lbs. with the 190HP 5.9 with a 4 speed Allison trans on flat terrain. But getting over a steep bridge or hill was a bit of an adventure. Not that I couldn't do it, it just put a lot of strain on that set up and I was chugging by time I hit the crest. Mind you, I did not have any modifications to the original drive train. Key advice---Keep an eye on engine and trans temp when towing!!!
p.s. Sorry for the thread drift...

Be aware on the 8.3 that many of the earlier years have solenoids that were known too weak. The later replacements are much larger.