Lots of black smoke, ok or harming engine?

[rknichols]

I've been beta testing the TST Economax. I think this box only increases the timing. It has increased mileage 8/10 mpg both running empty and towing 15,000#. I like the mpg increase but I have a question. While towing 15,000# up hills the 2004. 5 lays down a mighty black smoke trail. Am I doing harm to the truck? More soot in the oil? Some say increased cylinder pressure. Will this cause a problem?



I'm on an extended 2 month trip and have by-passed the Economax until I hear from some of you experts.



It also increases the clatter, kinda like my old 97.



Thanks for any info.

 

[Bob4x4]

Is that mileage gain using the overhead?



Bob

 

[rknichols]

Bob4x4



Hand calculated. The overhead, running empty, is usually . 2 low, however, when towing the overhead is usually 1. 5 high.

 

[timroberts]

rknichols Please keep use informed about your beta testing. I am thinking about geting a economax. Thanks

 

[TowPro]

I've been beta testing the TST Economax. I think this box only increases the timing. It has increased mileage 8/10 mpg both running empty and towing 15,000#.

wow, You mean my truck can get 29. 5mpg empty and 21 towing 10K lbs?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Or do you mean it improved your mileage eight tenths of a mile per gal?

The quick answere to your quetion is yes, heavy smoke means your running a lot more unburned fuel through your engine and that means wear.

 

[Graphic man]

the first thing i would do is get gages, (didn't see any in your sig. )



you really need to keep an eye on the EGT's boost and fuel pressure.



if you are getting a lot of black smoke, the box must be adding fuel some how. and that is ok,

the noise you are hearing may be to much timing, that could cause problems.



while towing up hills i would be worried about the EGT's, anything over 1250 for a long time can cause damage to the motor.



keep us posted



Scott

 

[LightmanE300]

I'm assuming he means 8 tenths of a mpg, not 8mpg city/10hwy... that I just don't believe.

 

[Luken]

8/10ths is nothing... . I get a 2-3 mpg difference from tank to tank.

 

[rknichols]

Clarification

The increase is eight tenths of mpg. That is the average (each tank hand calculated) over 5000 miles running empty and 1500 miles towing.



I do have guages and egt's running maybe 100 cooler with the Economax.



The additional soot was my worry.



Thanks

 

[DCarner]

Why would anyone pay for something that will only get them 8\10ths of a mile better?

 

[Devan Manis]

because they are a beta tester, and that means they are free to the tester, and they are testing, therefore its not a finished product and needs some fine tuning.

 

[Sled Dog]

because they are a beta tester, and that means they are free to the tester, and they are testing, therefore its not a finished product and needs some fine tuning.

That might be true in this case. However some venders charge there beta testers for there units. :--)