Engine Temperature

[Fireman Dave]

When towing my 6,000lb TT this past weekend, I saw my engine temp get up around 205-210 degrees a few times. This was usually when pulling a hill. The outside temp was in the high 70s. I wonder about it because I've never seen it over 190-195 before. The other times I've towed this trailer (I just got it in March), the outside temps were never higher than the 60s, and the engine didn't go over 195. Most of the time this weekend it was around 190, so maybe it's ok? Anyone else seen similar temps? Should I replace my thermostat? I'm concerned about it because I have a 5,000 mile towing trip planned in a few weeks. If there's a problem, I don't want to find it towing in the mountains in 95 degree heat. Thanks in advance for any input.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; BedRug; Forest Green; Isspro Pyro, Boost, and Trans Temp Gauges; 27' TT

 

[Mundgyver]

I got mine last July 3 and went to Utah in August. Outside tem was 106 to 107 and my temp touched 200. When I inquired with Cummin, I was told that the engine is designed with the radiator to run in heat at 120 outside air temp. You should be fine.

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Mundgyver : 2001 - 2500 QuadCab 4x4 139"WB, DK. Garnet Red Pearl Coat, Agate Inerior, Leather w/heat power adj both sides, 5. 9L HO 245Hp, 6 spd HD Manual, 3. 54 Axle, 21 Mpg Avg in town 24 Mpg Hw, OverHead Trip Computer/AntiTheft System, Mopar Tow Group Package. Add-on = EZ-Box=Haulin Butt, AMSOIL, PIAA SuperWhite 9004 HL's, Acrilic Black bug deflectors, Under Hood Full Radiator Bug&Gravel Screen, Cummins Exhaust Brake, Agate Dash Cover, AutoMeter SportComp Exhaust Gas/Boost/Oil Temp, Passport 7500 Detector, Garmen GPS III+, B&W Turnover Ball Model 1394R, LineX Bed Liner over the rails, Westin Step bars LineX coated. E-Mail at res02cke@gte.net -Working on the rest of the goodies as I can afford it.

 

[Murle]

I was towing my 25 FT cattle trailer this weekend. Out side temp was 95. and I was running the AC. Notice the temp gague was running between 200 and 220. 18# of boost. EGT was 1100 to 1200 running up and down the hills. Running 70 to 75 mph. Could run 55 mph and it would cool down some. I has only 6,000 miles on this 2001. Dealer picked up the truck Monday and left me a new 2001 3/4 ton 6 speed to drive while they work on mine. Just got a call from them and said it was fixed. Bad thermostat. They told me they have been replacing a lot of them lately.

 

[roadranger]

Had same problem towing too. Dealer couldn't 'duplicate problem'(course not-no tow!) said I was pushing the Cummins too hard! #ad


Ordered a new thermostat from Geno's, and the gauge sits rock steady at 190* towing on interstate hills at 75mph at 85* with the a/c on.

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Deezul Doug- 01. 5 2500 QC 4x4 LB, ETH/DEE, 3. 54 anti, Tow/Camper group, Westin SS
Step Bars, relocated breather, Autometer Pyro (pre), and 35 psi boost gauges,
EZ w/elbow.

Tow #1 - 6x12 Interstate inclosed cargo trailer.
GVW 7500
Tow #2 - Starcraft camper trailer
GVW 4500

2001 Volvo S80T twin turbo

[This message has been edited by Deezul Doug (edited 05-22-2001). ]

 

[Fireman Dave]

Thanks, guys. I think I'll be buying a new thermostat.

 

[MN Cummins Lvr]

If I were you Fireman Dave, I would get rid of that piece of junk! #ad


I'll give you $500 for it right now bud.

Paul

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99 2500 SLT QC, 2WD, 5 spd, 3. 54 LSD, Towing Pkg, Camper Pkg, Boards, Cab Lights, Fog Lights, Cobra CB

 

[Fireman Dave]

Hey Paul,

I'd take you up on it, but I think I could get at least $600. on e-Bay. You just want it for the mirrors! #ad
I know you covet them.

Dave

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; BedRug; Forest Green; Isspro Pyro, Boost, and Trans Temp Gauges; 27' TT

 

[Jeff H]

If your truck is pretty new. It may run warm do to the fact the engine is pretty tight yet.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Welp,

I took it into the dealer today. #ad
I figured, let them pay for it, it's under warranty. Here's what I got from them. They highlighted a section in my owners manual and left it sitting on my console. It states that it's normal to see higher temps when towing or in higher outside temps. As long as it stays under 240 deg. , nothing to worry about. Hmmm. We'll see. I should have known they wouldn't replace it or even check it. It could be that it is ok, but I may just keep a spare with me just in case. It looks like a snap to change - right on top of the engine. Maybe a 5 minute job. I only saw it go up to about 205 deg. a couple of times. It's been at 190 otherwise.

 

[TomGolden]

Well, this sounds like what happened to me yesterday. I have DD 3's, boost module and elbow, Psychotty air and 4" Jardine exhaust, and about 400 miles on my new South Bend FE clutch. I was driving home from work yesterday, going up a 4 - 5% grade hill, about 2 miles long doing about 70 MPH, outside temp was about 90*, I did not have the A/C on in the truck. I pulled out to pass a new Isuzu Rodeo, and he wanted to race, so I romped the diesel pedal, and we got up to 85 MPH really fast. Kept one eye glued to the pyro, never got over 1000* (pre-turbo), but I was pulling a solid 30# boost. When we topped out and slowed back to 70 for trafic, I looked at the engine temp gsauge, and I'll guess it was between 205 - 210*. I've never seen it get this high, rarely over 195* or so. This is probably the very hardest I have ever pushed my truck, and it wasn't WOT even then, as I want to let the new clutch fully wear in first. I have right at 16100 total miles on the truck.

I am about to drive to San Diego to visit family, and then a trip to Vegas to see the good folks at DD and their dyno #ad
so will see if this repeats, and if so, may decide to change my thermostat.

How difficult a job is it to change that out? If it isn't too tough, I'll do that when I change my coolant later this summer.

Thanks,
Tom


[Edit:] Forgot to say that I don't tow anything with the truck.
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-- email address removed --
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, DD Stage 3 afterburners & boost module, 4" Jardine exhaust, Amsoil, Psychotty air, black SmittyBilt nerf bars, no silencer ring, Armacoating bed liner, TDR decal, Jack holiday antenna ball

NRA Life/CRPA/El Dorado #26 F. &A. M. of California

[This message has been edited by TomGolden (edited 05-25-2001). ]

 

[MikeR]

Dave,
There is nothing wrong with your t-stat. It is completely normal for the temps to go up while towing.

 

[rhoads]

T. G.
Do not i repeat. do'nt change the thermostat BEFORE the dyno test. . IF they worth there cost/(salt) they montior the complete system and can tell you if you need /or have a temp problem..... oil press/temp/coolent temp/fuel flow/boost-+++... . if they just tye it down and tell you you are getting % of hp rating -you are getting riped!!!
Would you pay $200. to a doctor to walk in the door with you setting layed back in the chair lesten to your lungs and heart and say you are in great shape,not noting the one closed eye matted over,one leg you cant stand on and and sweat dripping off your knee cap??? Not the first time a faulty temp gauge/sender/radiator /was ever produced.
That's why we have new parts replacers, Tech's and the moto if you buy it you own it, & last but not least replace every thing till we find the cure. .
Test/dyno first...

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96-3500 SLT EXT. CAB AM/FM/CD-RINO LINER. D-CELERATOR EXH. BRK-RED LINE VAC. OVER HYD BRK CONTROL- AIR BAGS W/HVY DUTY AIR COMP. PUTCO S/STEEL DEEPBOARDS FRONT TO REAR. REESE 20K 5TH WHEEL & GOOSE -REESE 20K HITCH BELOW W/17K RECEVER. CLEAR COATED & SOUND DEADINGING &UNDER COATED 5 SPD/W 4:10 MCHLN'S 235/16'S UNIDEN PC76/WEATHER-WILSON 1000 MAG MOUNT ANT. 4 WHL ANTI LOC BRK SYS.
750,000 miles