Cold start EB hunting

[Sensory]

Hello all! New member here!

I am seeking help with an issue that only occurs on a cold start. Exhaust brake on, idle or high idle until warmed up coolant temp to 160ish when it cuts off. Normal exhaust brake function works when warm. Though when cold, will sometimes partially open enough to hear a slight whistle. At first it threw the U0010C. The EB would not work. I replaced the actuator with a city diesel actuator and no issues there. All works but still retained it’s strange cold start antics and partially open whistle. I cleaned then replaced the back pressure sensor off the manifold and tube. Cleaned the two intake sensors on the air box, as well as the one on the horn and replaced the air filter. Replaced the 5 inch exhaust system with a new one and new clamps (was pretty rough and had leaks). Replaced the FCA thinking it could be tired. Now, I’m not sure where to go next. Thinking I need a good scanner/datalogger or a fuel pressure gauge at this point. Unknown tune, turbo responsively creates boost all the way through the power band. Minimal smoke. No excess fuel, oil or coolant in the exhaust. 21.7 mpg on average.

Any takers on possible suspects?

 

[Ozymandias]

Get AlfaOBD for diagnostics, that's all I can help you with in this case.

 

[AH64ID]

Sounds like you’re tuned. Any change it’s part of the programming?

The stock programming modulates the EB at idle when cold based on several parameters. The whistle is usually due to being closed, not open.

How often do you cold idle it until 160°? That’s not great for the motor.

 

[Sensory]

Get AlfaOBD for diagnostics, that's all I can help you with in this case.

Hey appreciate the suggestion. Will check em out!

 

[Sensory]

Sounds like you’re tuned. Any change it’s part of the programming?

The stock programming modulates the EB at idle when cold based on several parameters. The whistle is usually due to being closed, not open.

How often do you cold idle it until 160°? That’s not great for the motor.

I usually get it to about 130 before I creep off before or after going to work. Right, sounds like it’s partially closed on cold start EB off. Then full on it will bog the rpms about 50+/- on the tach and start whistling up and down. More pronounced with high idle. I did suspect the tune. Maybe need to go down that path next as everything “seems” right.

 

[bcbender]

Welcome to the TDR....

I used to warm up my 04 alittle but it was a 6spd and harder to drive slow, now I roll out right after start up (within a min or two)... I dont do anything other than light throttle until temps are above 150 or so and run TH mode to keep RPM up and not lugging until warm... Engine warms much faster that way and wastes less fuel.

 

[Topzide]

Second AlfaOBD for diagnostics! Great program to track down issues and watch live data as needed. Once you get Alfa, first thing is to download the config file to keep track of any changes you do and to see how the truck is setup. REALLY helps to know what works and what doesn't. Also, when changes are made with Alfa, they sometimes won't show up right away! Sometimes it's the next day! Make small changes and wait till the show up before making more. Hope this helps with your decision on getting AlfaOBD. I've made changes on my truck that have worked great for me! Reads codes, changes settings, allows you to program key fobs and track data!

 

[Jim W]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

Now what year of truck and how many miles on the OD?

Now I am coming from an older 6.7L Cummins that has the original 5" exhaust system, that I installed back in 09. Oh, boy by the way my exhaust sounds like a jet aircraft (high pitch whistle) on take-off with the EB on, idling on a cold morning. PM me if you what to know why?

My younger son's 2013 also whistle when cold!

Now I do not let the engine sit and idle for any length of time. I simply start the truck sit for a minute at most while the garage door closes. I will than drive off slowly and will not acerate hard until the truck warms up to operating temps. It is better for the vehicle and warms up faster under load than just sitting and idling. Everything needs to warm up and be at a decent operating temp. If the engine is warm but the transmission is cold, you could stress the transmission by placing unnecessary operating loads on a cold transmission. That is why you operate everything slowly and let everything come to normal operating temps.
Just my $0.02.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Jim W, good post.

My Son’s 15 for some unspecified reason has that same “whistle”. He has two mufflers to control sound.

 

[sag2]

Unless your temps are below zero, idling for more than a few seconds when cold starting is not doing your engine any good. Even below zero, with proper weight oil you are doing more harm than good by not driving it. I would be far more worried about that then what the EB is or isn't doing.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Unfortunately in Alaska we have to do some idle time. -3 this am In the north part of the country we need the heat in the cab tt stay warm. Dry out things. No way around it

 

[AH64ID]

Unfortunately in Alaska we have to do some idle time. -3 this am In the north part of the country we need the heat in the cab tt stay warm. Dry out things. No way around it

Big difference in cold idling to try to warm a motor up and idling once warm.

 

[Ozymandias]

Unfortunately in Alaska we have to do some idle time. -3 this am In the north part of the country we need the heat in the cab tt stay warm. Dry out things. No way around it

Put an ESPAR heater in, that's a fine device.

https://www.eberspaecher-na.com/products/fuel-operated-heaters/product-selection

 

[Turbo Terry]

Very true. Mine sits in the garage 50-55 f. A little warm up in the driveway and I’m gone. But when running errands it runs outside. To keep my old body warm when I come out. Turning it off would not be good.

 

[AH64ID]

Very true. Mine sits in the garage 50-55 f. A little warm up in the driveway and I’m gone. But when running errands it runs outside. To keep my old body warm when I come out. Turning it off would not be good.

Make sure you use fast idle and the EB to retain heat too.

Have you installed your winter front?

 

[Turbo Terry]

No I have not. I hate the dang things. Used to use a piece of cardboard on the old 99 with a hole about the size of a coffee can But that won’t fit on this truck . There’s a big difference in cold to my thinking . Cold soaked as in been out for several days below zero . Equipment etc even old trucks. When your driving a truck everyday it’s a bit different . Also then there’s real cold. -10 20 30 40 50 below. So cold the tires come off the rims. North slope stuff and Fairbanks oil pan heaters battery blankets. Etc. we always plug in our trucks outside on a timer to save electricity usage two hours before leaving seems to be about right. When a diesel is plugged in and won’t start it’s usually because the head bolt heater is not working the element is bad or the cord is broken . And battery chargers good battery’s a must.Then we also use auto start. I think the cold fronts are really needed when you are blasting down the Highway for miles. Around town stop and go not so much . Before auto start we would go out before bed and start our Ford diesels and let them run maybe before going to bed . My boss never plugged his in. I would have to go pull a frozen truck in the the shop to let it warm up. At 20 25 below no way to get them going out side. My new truck gets to 95 f plugged in the 55f garage in a hour Nice to have all the gauges in this new truck. Mine stays at 190 f at about zero outside .

 

[AH64ID]

You will see benefits from the winter front in the +20's, even around town. I would install it, but that's me.

 

[NIsaacs]

Very true. Mine sits in the garage 50-55 f. A little warm up in the driveway and I’m gone. But when running errands it runs outside. To keep my old body warm when I come out. Turning it off would not be good.

My trucks, old and new, don't move until I have heat.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Might give it a try. Watched a video about install. He was pretty good at it

 

[Sensory]

Well, in terms of alfaobd I have a 2016 2500 SLT with 203k on it, which is a base model. No music display on the evis so not sure on compatibility.

Before winter and the actuator code it went from a steady EB whistle at idle and high idle to the oscillations. I’m thinking this must be a tune issue at this point. I’d like to get it figured out, though it’s not a huge deal. I have seen others with the same unsolved issue. If I get this resolved I will be sure to post the culprit.

As for the warm up, I agree. It’s generally to get it to 130 to baby it straight onto what is now becoming a very crowded highway and to get the truck defrosted some if I don’t scrape it all.