george, I like this idea. Maybe even replace it with a 454. Before I get too far into this, I need to do a little more homework. Hate to put all that money in if I am way over weight to begin with. I will check some prices and see how much monkey business this could be. Thanks.
Ideas to make truck tow better
- Thread starter namesray
- Start date
- Views: 6059
george, I like this idea. Maybe even replace it with a 454. Before I get too far into this, I need to do a little more homework. Hate to put all that money in if I am way over weight to begin with. I will check some prices and see how much monkey business this could be. Thanks.
RobertN
Super Member
Mine was an '89 Ford F250 with a 351/4spd. It started and idle fine. But when accelerating or under any kind of load, it was a dog. It had been fine driving up the valley, but started getting doggy when I came out of Redding Ca up in to the mountains around Weaverville Ca. I pulled in to Weaverville in 1st gear... Had to tow it the last two miles to our friends house.
I was on a trip 4 hours from home in the mountains when it happened. It was a holiday; everything was closed, and I had limited tools with me. Dinked around looking at fuel, spark but that looked fine. Finally broke the bolts holding the Cat , tied it up to the frame, and drove home open exhaust...
I was on a trip 4 hours from home in the mountains when it happened. It was a holiday; everything was closed, and I had limited tools with me. Dinked around looking at fuel, spark but that looked fine. Finally broke the bolts holding the Cat , tied it up to the frame, and drove home open exhaust...
George2615
Super Member
If your tow load is truly around 10K I think you're maxxed out for towing capacity. The truck will tow the load but stopping may be an issue. Replacing the engine would definitely help but if towing that weight is done on a regular basis get a larger truck with greater towing capacity for safety. Today's newer 1/2T trucks are now in the 10-11K tow rating when ordered correctly.
RobertN
Super Member
This thread is really jumping around.
Problem Statement - Truck has low power at takeoff.
1st question - Has it always been this way, or is this a new problem?
The issue has to be related to only a few things. A gas engine needs air, fuel, spark, compression, and exhaust.
- Air - Is it getting enough air? Is air cleaner clean/new? No restrictions in the air path? Fresh air intake?
- fuel - Is it getting enough fuel? Too much fuel? Is the fuel pump pumping? Does it have a fresh fuel filter and new clean fuel? What do the spark plugs look like? Dark, light, ashen?
- Spark - What do the plugs look like? I have had varied performance with different plugs... What about the wires, rotor, cap? Has the timing been checked? Are the wires held in the loom properly? Had a Ford with a 400 that had to have the plug wires held in the holder along the valve cover properly, or else they would short to each other...
- Compression - engines are just a big compressor. What does the compression look like? After adding a bit of oil to cylinders(rings)? What does leak-down look like?
- Exhaust - What does the exhaust look like? My experience with a clogged Cat is no power above idle. It would be a dog at speed but should start off ok.
It's gotta be one of those four. Air, fuel, and spark are pretty easy to check. Compression is not too hard with right gauges.
Problem Statement - Truck has low power at takeoff.
1st question - Has it always been this way, or is this a new problem?
The issue has to be related to only a few things. A gas engine needs air, fuel, spark, compression, and exhaust.
- Air - Is it getting enough air? Is air cleaner clean/new? No restrictions in the air path? Fresh air intake?
- fuel - Is it getting enough fuel? Too much fuel? Is the fuel pump pumping? Does it have a fresh fuel filter and new clean fuel? What do the spark plugs look like? Dark, light, ashen?
- Spark - What do the plugs look like? I have had varied performance with different plugs... What about the wires, rotor, cap? Has the timing been checked? Are the wires held in the loom properly? Had a Ford with a 400 that had to have the plug wires held in the holder along the valve cover properly, or else they would short to each other...
- Compression - engines are just a big compressor. What does the compression look like? After adding a bit of oil to cylinders(rings)? What does leak-down look like?
- Exhaust - What does the exhaust look like? My experience with a clogged Cat is no power above idle. It would be a dog at speed but should start off ok.
It's gotta be one of those four. Air, fuel, and spark are pretty easy to check. Compression is not too hard with right gauges.
RobertN
Super Member
But based on what? So far we know it is a dog starting out with a load. Could be the timing is off or something else simple?
George2615
Super Member
He did say in his first post he doesn't have a problem once moving. It very well could be a timing problem. Possibly needs a new timing chain and gears if it has the nylon gear and a sloppy chain. He also has an exhaust leak which could be as simple as a gasket replacement. Could be a carb (or throttle body) problem. He has not done a compression test. I agree with it not being a clogged cat since he says high speed is OK. With his engine, granny gear low and 4.56 gears he should not have a problem on taking off. Timing gear and chain would be my guess if compression is good. He also said it uses oil and leaks some. At this point I'm just saying he needs some motor work or a replacement.
Sprinklerman
Platinum Member
The 350 chevy had many different HP ratings depending on the year . I had a 69 chevy c 20 with a 350 / 350 hp . I had a 76 corvette with a 350 / 180 hp . Check the numbers on the block to make sure what you have
bigdeano
Platinum Member
I still have my '73 K20 Cheyenne I bought new. We've grown old together. I'm sure it will outlast me.
downslope
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2008
- Messages
- 642
- Location
- NY
- Tractor
- MF TO-35, Ford(s) 2000, 8N, 9N, White 2-70, NH TD75D, JD 5045D
I agree. He even said it sometimes stumbles with no load. Something is not right with the engine and all this talk about replacing differentials, smaller tires, new motors, etc is crazy at this point. That truck should move right off in granny low with that load.
It could be something as simple as low fuel pressure, egr problems, exhaust back pressure, (or even too little back pressure, as that can effect egr operation ), wrong egr valve installed, tps malfunction, timing problems, etc. First things first before replacing motors and gearing.