Anyway to keep engine(coolant) temps down towing in the mountains?

[CumminsPower98]

I can get mine hot pretty easy when it's hot out combined with altitude or just a strong wind or anything that puts a big load on the engine. I have hit 230 a few times briefly heading up out of Denver with heavy trailers in the summer. I can usually keep it running along about 50-55 up Loveland Pass unless it's a really big trailer then maybe down to 4th/40 mph on the real steep spots. This is when running pretty high boost and EGTs right up to 1200 too (need bigger turbo). Mine will run up to 215/220 regularly on hard pulls even when not in high mountains when it's hot out. Main thing is to make sure things are clean. I run a bug screen and have changed the radiator once so I know things are good there. I have also changed the t-stat because the rubber came part way off and got stuck in there holding it open.



Yeah, I know mine's not a 3rd gen...

 

[wcjp]

In the 2nd Gen forums there used to be lots of debate and info considering aftermarket push bar/bullbar. I remember they could lower mileage by 1mpg. Some also claimed higher water temp when towing with the bar vs. without. In the 3rd Gen forum some have had issues with the clutch fan not activating.



edit: just noticed you're running bigger rims, tires and more power

 

[RVTRKN]

I wish I would have read this thread before last weekend. I was pulling a smallish trailer up the Grapevine in SoCal with outside temps at 114 degrees. My Attitude monitor alarm started warning me that the engine temp was 210 degrees. I didn't have time to read my owners manual or see if those temps were dangerous. I never changed the alarm setting for engine temp, so I guess 210 was the factory setting. Anyway, I guess I should have just increased my alarm setting to 220 and I would have been fine. Instead, I slowed down to 40 mph pulling that grade watching everyone pass me (except the 18 wheelers). I should have been able to pull that trailer up the mountain at 70 mph easy, just didn't want to take any chances.

Remove your electronics and go back to stock and the Cummins should run cool. I too pulled the back side of grapevine last july with 5ver at 112* ambient, didn't even go over 200* in 5th gear to keep RPM's up to help EGT. The programmers add more fuel to boost HP which cause the EGT to go way over normal.

 

[Cattletrkr]

At what temp does the fan kick on? I honestly don't know if I've ever heard mine go. I occassionally drive a '05 Furd that the fan kicks on anytime the go-pedal is down. This summer I have been hitting 220* routinely with my CTD.



I run lower EGT's with the Juice installed than without. It keeps the boost up and as soon as I hit 30+ lb the EGT needle drops like a rock.

 

[machinemover]

My problem seems to be more with keeping the EGT's down then anything. Enagine temps peak at 221 on a hot day up hill with a 40' trailer. I am running an edge/juice box. But I'll turn it way down or even to zero if I have too. My EGt's still hit 1350 with no problem and I have to kick it back. My '03 running the TST box didn't seem to be as bad as this truck is. I've been really unhappy with the performance due to EGT levels. My exhaust is opened up and the air cleaner has the cheap 4" hole mod. Not sure what else to do.