Urgent! Back again to stump the chump

[DMCGARIGAL]

I’m currently in NM headed west into a ~25 mph headwind. Every minute or so my rig goes into almost like a power reduction, slows me down to 40mph and then let’s me speed back up, and it cycles like this over and over, the gas pedal goes dead, not letting me accelerate out of it, almost like it disengages the pedal until I hit roughly 45 mph sometimes less some times more.

I pulled off at an exit turned around and ran downwind for 5 minutes and it didn’t happen once and I was going 64 the entire time.

Any ideas?!

Cat 3116 with the mt643
All gauges reading normal, all fluids topped off and correct color/viscosity.

Please help!!

 

[Booyah45828]

A cat 3116 is all mechanical. So no computer limiters to derate power.

Change your fuel filters and see what you get. I'd bet they're plugged. 60 mph with a 25mph headwind takes alot of power which sucks alot of fuel. Maybe check the air filter too but I'd bet that it's the fuel filters.

 

[DMCGARIGAL]

A cat 3116 is all mechanical. So no computer limiters to derate power.

Change your fuel filters and see what you get. I'd bet they're plugged. 60 mph with a 25mph headwind takes alot of power which sucks alot of fuel. Maybe check the air filter too but I'd bet that it's the fuel filters.

It’s just weird that it’s not even trying to accelerate, and just cycles through the slow down and speed ups. The fuel filter and air filter are brand new, 1,000 miles on them tops.

 

[DMCGARIGAL]

The PO installed a fuel water separater I’m thinking that is what’s getting clogged, looking for a replacement filter, I was able to limp it home.

 

[BlackJohn]

Fuel filters can and do clog in less than 100 miles depending on tank condition. They do the job though so be prepared to use a lot till you get it running right. Carry some extra, change on the fly, but prime them correctly thru the smaller holes, not the biggie in the center.
If the water separator is installed why didn't you open it and dump it?
When full it will close off the fuel supply on these Cats, well mine will.
experience comes through breakdowns unless you get to know your engine.


And by the way, who are you referring to as the "chump "?
It's no wonder you see no responses. Try showing some respect for forum members and you might get some back.


John

 

[Drew Bru]

And by the way, who are you referring to as the "chump "?

I don't think he meant to offend. Stump the Chumps is a regular segment on a popular car repair show in the US called Car Talk. It's an amazingly funny and informative show....it's almost like Jeopardy but for car repair. Give it a listen! https://www.cartalk.com/

 

[Tango-SKO]

Ya...I miss those guys and "Stump the Chump"!

 

[BlackJohn]

Well, I will have to hear it from the Op himself. People take written words differently and I failed to see the humour. Calling any of us inexperienced chumps is wrong as it is plain to see he has not taken time to learn about the operation of his own diesel.
That set me off last week when he wrote that and sure wasn't going to respond with his attitude. Some learn the hard way if at all.


John

 

[cadillackid]

+1 on Stump the chumps.. and cartalk in general being a total BLAST!!! sometimes when things dont work, the BEST way to handle it is to add a little humor and lighten it up

 

[Tango-SKO]

Nobody did it like "Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers"!

 

[DMCGARIGAL]

Thanks for backing me up guys! Never meant to offend anyone either! I grew up on car talk in the back seat of my dads car, and regularly listen to repeat episodes. I wouldn’t have turned to skoolie dot net for help if I thought any of you were chumps, in fact I turned to skoolie before i asked anyone else because I know of and appreciate everyone’s experience and expertise on here!


Anywho I think I narrowed it down to the water separator. Since punching the “emergency bypass “ it ran better with no issues, but then again the wind died down a lot by time I had it back on the road.

Thanks!