Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) EGT to high?

[Hank W]

I have a 97 3500 and will be pulling a 14000# 5th wheel. I have added a set of gauges, exhaust brake and a fuel plate from Banks. (The biggest one that I could run without problems in the auto trans). Two questions My exhaust gas temp would sometimes reach almost 1500 deg at times before I put the fuel plate in. Isn't this way to high? With the fuel plate in, pulling the 5th wheel, if I try to drive at 65mph on flat ground the temp will still be 1400 deg or so. Isn't that way to high? I am a newbe and need all the help I can get with this.

 

[JGheen]

Fill out your signature so we can determine any findings from what you have. What other mods are you running? Did you get the 14cm2 turbine housing that Banks offers? 1400-1500* is way to high for a cruising temp. 1350* is kind of the limit for constant running and even that is getting close to scary; scary as in melting pistons scary. If you bump those temps for a second or two goin' through the gears really hard, then it isn't so hard or bad at all being your piston temps are not exactly that of your exhaust temps. But you start leaving the engine running at those temps then piston temp goes up and eventually melting them. Your not lugging the engine in like 5th gear going up a grade pullng that much weight are you? I would try and keep the revs above 2000 when pulling a load with any gear. Obviously that is not possible when going from a complete stop but when cruising keep the revs up. You won't hurt it running like 2800 rpms for long periods of time on the freeway towing a load like 14000#s.

 

[tgrfan2]

I have a 98 pulling about the same load. Pre #6 the max EGT was 1050. With the plate I have gotten to 1150, but cruising flat land it is still under 1100 usually. The #6 will slip my transmission above 22# boost. I am about 10psi below max pressure according to DTT. Will be adjusting that soon. transmission has 126K on it.

 

[NIsaacs]

HANK W,

We need more information on your truck to help you. When you were running 1500 deg. , what was your RPM and your boost. It sounds like you have a low boost problem or a restriction in your intake or exaust. High exaust temp is also an indicator of retarded pump timeing. How many miles is on your truck? Other than what you mentioned, is the rest stock?



"IF IT AIN'T CUMMINS POWERED, IT AIN'T A TRUCK"



"NICK"

 

[Hank W]

Thanks for the help, I found the problem it was a bad electrical connection at the EGT thermocouple. Temp now 1200 deg max. @35# boost 2300 rpm. pulling a hill.