Need some help diagnosing a problem on my '98 3500 with Cummins 24 Valve/Auto/3.54 rears.
I just made a three day trip from Virginia to Massachusetts and back.
The trip up was outstanding - 20 mpg at 65 mph.
The trip back was somewhat less fun.
During all of the following, all dash indications (oil, temp, etc) were normal. The water in fuel light never came on. Oil and water levels are good, no discoloration in either of them after 550 miles.
I fueled up at a Pilot truck stop at exit 1 on I-84 in Massachusetts for the trip back.
About 30 miles later, the truck was "missing" if I tried to accelerate above about 70 mph and while cruising on some of the hills in north central Connecticut. The transmission couldn't figure out where it need to be when this happened. (if it were a V-8 gasser, I'd guess it was not firing on about three cylinders but this is a Cummins.)
After 150 miles, I stopped to eat and when I pulled back on the freeway, I had heavy white smoke under acceleration until I got up to speed, missing above 2000 rpm and the same "confused" transmission.
Cruise at 65 mph (1800 rpm) was normal.
After about 350 miles, the problems with the smoke disappeared, but I still have the missing at above 2500 rpm. And if I drop down out of overdrive and punch it, it is worse.
Right now, the truck appears to be running normal with good power and acceleration until it hits 2500 rpm in any gear.
No codes on the dash - Does the Cummins use the "Check Engine" light??
I'm hoping I just got a load of bad fuel and I'll change the fuel filter tomorrow and see if the problems go away.
That would explain the missing at high rpm - fuel starvation.
But what would have caused the white smoke???
I'd appreciate any comments before I take it to the dealer.
Greg '98 3500 QC 4x2 Cummins ISB, Auto, 3.54:1, Driftwood with Leather and all the heavy duty options. '89 Nu-Wa Champagne Edition, 34 foot Fifth Wheel.