Highway Maintenance

[EBolgiano]

My diesel ram is used strictly for driving up and down the interstate. The only towing this is done is the boat and it weighs 1000#. I am a fanatic when it comes to maintenance of my vehicles. My question is if the engine is not worked hard what kind of potential problems should I be aware of and is there any kind of extra work or maintenance that should be done to protect my investment. Any and all comments appreciated.

 

[67guzzler]

EBolgiano,



I have the same questions / concerns as my usage is the same. I called Cummins and they said periodic full throttle acceration cycles after the truck is warmed up will help with breakin if the truck isn't used to tow often. They also said it would help blow out extra soot & carbon. The first few times I did this there were plumes of black smoke. But I'd say the 3rd time in a 10 minute span and it was almost clear. Beyond that, they didn't tell me to do anything special.



Maybe some other guys here might know more.



-Jay

 

[testraub]

Mine is a daily driver with a few long trips a year with no towing. I love the highway runs for the mileage. according to Cummins lack of towing "could" slow down the break-in time to 20,000 Miles. I am coming up on 10K, getting ready to do a 2nd oil and 1st fuel filter change. The break in may take a bit longer, but seems well worth the wait. I once in a while "put my foot in it's " just for the fun of it, and it sure ain't hurt this tough engine at all.

 

[rbattelle]

I use mine also as a commuter vehicle. I periodically do full throttle runs, which helps blow the soot out of the exhaust (easier to see at night, actually).



There should be absolutely no harm done to your engine using it this way.



-Ryan

 

[betterthanstock]

Carbon builds up on injectors, and in catalyst. Also, wastegate may get sticky. Oil may get more acid from not enough heat to boil off condensation.



Mine took about 30k to feel really broken in, and I used every hill and entrance ramp at full throttle whenever I could. An automatic has a much harder time putting a real load on the engine due to downshifting, which relieves the engine of any serious torque, or heat build-up. Your best bet is after TC lockup to step as hard as it lets you without downshifting or unlocking, and hold it there as long as you can. That should help burn off the carbon.