My girlfriend works at an automotive shop in town, and I got a phone call yesterday while I was installing windows in my grandparents' new house.
They got in a 97 3500 4x4 auto ~250K, original transmission as far as we know. Problem is that when it's cold (sitting 4-8 hrs or overnight), it is REAL sluggish- seems to not want to transfer power to the wheels. After a mile or two, it is just fine. Fuel pressure is within spec, peak boost is 19psi. The shop owner took it out for a drive, and said he thinks it's in the injector pump- it wont rev up real high, and is kinda slow. (But, with a stock auto, and the fact it is having troubles cold, it makes sense to me that it's slow). No numbers on when it defules- I've seen here anywhere from 21-2500 as the max in a stock P7100 with an auto. The tech working on it thinks possible transmission issue, and based on my Mopar diesel tranny experience, I agree. Fluid looks and smells good, but I found with my mom's 92, the transmission can still be worn out, and the fluid be good.
The only real issue I can think of offhand with the pump (I'm better with VEs) would be the overflow valve, but wouldnt that affect it hot AND cold? Customer says once it warms up, it's just fine. It's my understanding that the P7100 is pretty reliable, and rugged, though a bad batch of fuel can wreck any fuel system.
I did find in a search some people who had SOME SIMILAR symptoms, but not all the same ones, and it was a seal inside the transmission. Which leads me back to the stock original tranny needing rebuilt at 250K. As far as I know, no heavy towing, but it is a work truck. I dont think it's a company truck, so only one or two drivers who dont hot rod it (not that that's possible at the moment, apparently).
What do you guys think? Besides that one of the best shops in the area calls me for advice on older Cummins Dodge trucks.
Daniel
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