Here is the outcome of the problem I was having with my truck. First let me discuss the problem I experienced.

POOR PERFORMANCE SYMPTOMS
I ran some terrible 1/8th mile times in Abilene, Tx. They were 10.00 consistantly. Then I went to San Antonio Raceway and ran 15.33 three times in a row. My 60 ft. times at both tracks were mid 2's. My truck was having some real problems off of the line.

When I would nail the throttle it would bog down until about 20-30 mph then it would start making power. The supercharger was acting more like a turbo because the boost wasn't instant. As the rpm's increased so did the boost.

PROBLEM IDENTIFIED
I took my L to San Antonio so skennett and GregS could take a look at her. We thought that the actuator might be malfunctioning so we adjusted it a couple of times with no luck.

GregS also noticed that there was no flow (no bubbling) in the de-gassing-tank (I think that's what it is called) for the inter cooler.

PROBLEM REPAIRED
I took my L to the dealer and told them what was going on. They showed true concern that a product they sold was not performing properly and bumped me to the front of the line. They immediately started troubleshooting the problem. They had a real tough time finding out why the inter cooler pump would not work. They ran every diagnostic test that was available. Then they got on the phone with SVT. SVT told them to change the MAF sensor since I was running a K&N filter (SVT said that the sensor may have oil on it from the filter).

Then the master mechanic focused his attention on the electrical connection. At last the problem was found. A connecting pin in the electrical connection was pushed up inside of the plastic electrical connection which prevented contact. I looked at that dude at least 20 times and never saw it!


THE OUTCOME
Now at WOT take off there is no bogging down. The response and boost are instant. I thought that she was running strong from 20 MPH on. Ha! I didn't have a clue! Let me tell you that she pulls so strong to 120 MPH now that it's like she has been modded. In a way I guess she has...she now has a working intercooler.

The master mechanic that works on all the L's at the dealer said that when the intercooler isn't working your giving up 60%-70% of the HP that is made by the supecharger. Especially in a hot and humid climate like South Texas. Now I don't know if these numbers are accurate or not but it sure seems that way to me.

I'm guessing that the eaton adds approximately 100 HP or maybe more. So a 60%-70% HP loss equates to 60 -70 HP. That is just unbelievable! That explains the bogging down effect. I'm not an expert by any means but I'm guessing that the blower was having to push all of that hot air through the engine. When it started getting cooler air is when it started making boost. Just a guess on my part.

So my advice to anyone that is having the sort of symptoms I was experiencing is to check the de-gassing tank and make sure you see bubbling. If you don't and it's above 50 degrees F, then you have an inter cooler problem that needs some immediate attention. Your L will thank you!

Hopefully this will help anyone having problems like I was having. I can't wait to get to the track and lay down some more runs.

Thanks to everyone that offered a suggestion on how to remedy the problem. All were good suggestions. Again a special thanks to skennett and GregS for all of their help.

skennett....I will bring the box back to you in the next couple of weeks. May we can hook up with Greg again and drink a few cold !

Todd

 

Great news, Todd! I hope to see you down in Corpus. I go there quite often to visit family. I've got a red '01.

-Edward

 

Great to hear shes fixed.

You dont always get great customer service at dealers. So far and few between

 

all-right!!!

 

Great to hear You have to tell us how she performs at the track next time. When are you going to run next?

 

Glad she's running well!

 

Todd,

Now that is winner talk!

Let me know when you are coming to town. Hooters calls.

--Steele

 

Now get back to that track and...Burn Some Rice!!!

 

This is great news. As **** said, its nice to hear of a dealership taking care of special (SVT)customers. Sounds like you have a dealership with a great service dept.
If those numbers that your mechanic gave about the loss of the intercooler are correct (I have know idea), but they sound right. You can easily see the gains that can be made (in the Texas heat) with a more efficent heat exchanger and fans!

 

Nice to have her run properly, ain't it


Now if I were you I'd drop by the Service Department with a nice thank you pizza.

 

Hey Edward give me a shout (361-993-4232) when you get down this way. Maybe we can hook up at Hooters and have a cold one or 2!


Your absolutley right fellas, it's hard to find good service from a dealership these days. Spikes came through in my time of need! I dropped the fellas a couple of bills before I left so they could go have some on me.

Man they were really appreciative! What a great bunch of guys. I am also writing a letter of appreciation to the GM of Spikes Ford. People are quick to complain but not as quick to commend, so I gotta give credit where credit is due.

Yes it's absolutley wonderful to have her running right. I am one happy camper!




Hey Steele....I'm on call this week so I will be heading to SAR as soon as I get off of work on July 18th. I should be in San Antonio by 6 p.m. I'll give ya a shout later this week. HOOTERS....OH YEAAA!!!

Hey thanx for the support everyone! I will post the new numbers after I run her at SAR on the 18th. I would be willing to bet that the numbers will be a bit better than 15.33....LOL!

Thanks Again All,
Todd

 

Todd,

Glad your truck is running better. Give me a call when you come up or shoot me an email at gstieg (a) worldnet.att.net .

Like Steele said, we need to get together at Hooters for a few drinks.

Greg