First Heavy Hall, Data & Suggestions

[Millfly]

Just had my first heavy pull with the 2001 3500 auto. Picked up a 14000 lb. 34' Mountain Aire 5'er on Saturday and pulled it down from New York. Came down route #15 - up and over the mountains. Was anxious to see how the BD Box, 275's, and DTT trans worked. Stayed in overdrive most of the time and only kicked down into 3rd on the steeper grades. Began the steep grades at 60 MPH but as the EGT temperature went to 1250 (pre turbo) I decided to drop it into third and slow down to 50. Truck had plenty of power to maintain 60 - was just worried about the EGT. On the average "flats", EGT was 850 to 950. Boost maxed out at 21 on the hills & just won't go higher. Was so concerned about the EGT that I forgot to check the trans temp. Will definitely get my exhaust brake installed next week as that is a lot of weight to stop. Was amazed at the power in the truck. On the trip up at a steady 67 MPH I got 17 MPG. On the trip back pulling the trailer I got 12. 1 MPG over the 250 mile trip to Doylestown. Only have 8000 miles on the truck and expected to get about 10 MPG. The 4:10 rear seems to be a perfect match for this rig.

Question:I would like the EGT to be 100 degrees less and not exceed 1150. What is the most economical way to accomplish this? Appreciate comments on driving technique as well. Thanks

 

[Alan Reagan]

First you may want to read this bout EGTs by Jeff Garman of STP in Atlanta.



http://pub53.ezboard.com/fdieselhpfrm1.showMessage?topicID=12.topic



Sounds like you are already driving by doing all the right things. 17 towing one way and 12 the other. I assume you were going down the hill and then back up.



Cooling the EGTs... . Hmmmmm. Probably the easiest way is to go to a free flow air filter like the K&N or Amsoil. You may want to consider the K&N RE-0880 to get some air to the engine. That should help a bit. Other than that, consider changing the turbo. Sounds like you have a heck of a ride there when it comes to pulling power.

 

[Batman]

Millfly

I agree with Alan for letting air into the engine, but I would like to also suggest going to 4" exhaust.

 

[Alan Reagan]

That'll (the 4" exhaust) get the heat off. Also, I'm sure you've been following this thread on the IAT Sensor but in case you haven't



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11726&perpage=15&pagenumber=1



I changed mine and it has lowered my temps some. You'll see from some of the posts a reduction of 100* at cruise. Also of interest to you from this post will be the little fact that exhaust brakes can cause carboning on the IAT which will increase EGT because of the improper fueling. You may need to clean the IAT on your truck during scheduled maintenance if you use the exhaust brake alot.

 

[CRuD]

IAT?

IAT what is it? I have been a memember since 99 and this is new to me.

See Ya

Chris

 

[Alan Reagan]

IAT is the Intake Air Temperature sensor. Provides intake temp at rear of intake manifold. If it's dirty, it can cause mild overfueling for different temperature conditions and cause EGTs to run a little warmer than normal... . up to 100*F.

 

[Millfly]

Thanks for the info so far. I will have to keep a check on that IAT Sensor. With 8000 on the engine it should not be dirty but that does not mean it is not defective. Thanks for the referral to the string on the sensor - I had missed it. Any other solutions besides the 4" exhaust and air filter?

 

[Archive]

Another way to cool temps is to install a psyscotty air. I personally don't have one, they can give a vacuum cleaner sound under load, but a lot of people swear by them for cooler temps.



Be sure to talk with someone about putting an exhaust brake on your auto. Call one of the transmission gurus.

 

[Heetseeker_1]

psycotty air

I just got back from a camping trip where I loaded my truck with firewood, water,fuel, supplies and towed (for the first time) my 23' prowler tt. It alone (dry) tips the scales at 5600 lbs. I think loaded it probably weighed about 6k. I have had the psychotty air system with the k+n filter installed for some time now and although it is noisy, it is supposed to keep things a little cooler. If you keep the ring in the turbo it is a little more quiet.



I found that with my tst plate installed and the cat gutted with a walker muffler, I have all the power to climb the sierra foothills with ease. What is definate hinderance is the stock torque converter. That thing HAS to come out of there and be replaced with a better performer.



I had to keep shifting from 2nd to 1st in the hills (very steep) to keep the transmission temps down. I exceeded 230 degrees on a few pulls. In 3rd lockup and the rpm's in the 2k to 2. 3k, I walked off and left some of the other trucks following me though. They were pulling trailers and cabover campers as well.



An exaust brake is in order but I have to bomb the transmission first. Call Piers for quotes on the PacBrakes. He's right in the ballpark on the prices.

 

[Champane Flight]

Wouldn't worry till I hit 1350*.

 

[Millfly]

Was looking back through past threads and noticed Practical Solutions Boost Module & Elbow. Claims are it will reduce EGT about 100 to 150 degrees. This might be the best way to go if I feel the need to reduce the temperature. 1350 Degree max would get me really nervous. I know how I felt when I saw the gauge shoot to 1250. Would prefer not to have to slow down on hills as I have the power and would like to use it. Thanks for all the info.

 

[speedracer]

boost module

I think you're on the right track with the boost module. You're throwing a fair bit of extra fuel at the motor with the VA and the injectors. So you definitely need to raise the boost ceiling to get some more air through the motor, that'll help keep the EGTs down.

 

[DavidTD]

Millfly,



Yes, get the boost module. I have the same setup as you except 5 speed and boost module. When I added the VA alone I saw no real difference in EGT's due to timing helping. After adding the 275's, I agained about 150 or so degrees. Then the boost module took me back down to stock numbers. I have to really work at hitting 1200 degrees with my truck.



Good Luck,

 

[JSchooley]

I had EGT problems until I tried the PS boost module. (Does this sound like a cheap commercial??)



Seriously, the boost module worked great and I kept the stock air cleaner and exhaust. Saved big bucks and a lot of hassle.

 

[Millfly]

Speedracer, DavidTD, Schooley

Thanks so much for the comeback on "boost module facts". Really appreciate it. I've got so much money in this truck as it is, I really hate to waste it on some product that won't benefit me. I will get that boost module mounted this month sometime. This a busy month. Today a PackBrake and DTT Smart Controller get installed and next week I go to New York where a fellow is going to install a lift for Harley on the back of my 5th wheel trailer. As soon as I get back from that I am going to soundproof the cab with Dynamat Extreme. Then comes the boost module. (I think I can slip that in there without the wife knowing. ) Have a good day!

 

[illflem]

A Phscotty worked to get my EGTs down, but just a K&N type filter and removing the airbox snorkel may be enough for you. I'm also with Champane Flight on running it up to 1350°, it very well could be take your EGTs wouldn't have climbed much more from when you backed off anyways.

 

[Millfly]

Illflem,

Thanks for the note on the K&N Filter. I really want to stay away from anything that is going to create more noise. I spent $850 on the engine blankets to reduce noise and do not want to do anything that is going to create more. We did the DTT Smart Controller wiring yesterday and will install the Pacbrake today. I had to take off the manifold and exhaust pipe blankets for the install and was really annoyed by the additional noise. I guess I was just accustomed to the quieter engine. Have a good day.