Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need advice on EGT

[wardb]

I have a stock 2001 3/4 ton 6 speed high output truck. I installed a EGT and turbo pressure gages soon after I bought it from the cummins dealer. The EGT gauge is installed before the turbo to get the most accurate readings. My concern is that the EGT may be running too hot under heavy conditions (full throttle, 5th gear, 3000 RPM, up hill). With a camper on the truck the EGT can hit 1300 degrees, with my 5th wheel trailer it can hit 1500 degrees (pegged). I spoke to the cummins dealer and he said that I should just remove the gauge, it's wrong. If there was a problem with the EGT the engine would cut down the fuel to protect the engine, and that there is no data that these engines can over temp the EGT.

What might be wrong?



Thanks

 

[Car_nut57]

You should be glad you have a gauge for EGTs. Anything over 1300 is too hot and even stock trucks can get too hot under load. Keep the gauges and do something to lower EGTs such as air intake and 4" exhaust. I doubt that anything is wrong with the gauge as long as it was installed using the correct wire and thermocouple. Most gauges can be easily tested by getting the specifications from the gauge supplier.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Awhile back I did some airbox mods on my 2000 3500. The modification worked remarkably well. I decided to get more and COOLER air into the turbo. I also decided to modify the stock airbox. I was after lower EGT's,More MPG's, and performance lastly. I drilled 2, 1 1/2" holes on the front and rear of the box,directly below where the filter sits. I then mounted 2 plastic, 90 deg. elbows in the holes I drilled. Off the front one I ran a couple joined sections of radiator hose,around the battery,out front,directly behind the right headlight area. That brought cool air in from outside the engine compartment. Actually you can put your hand over the hose and you can feel the air being sucked in,when the engine is running. The elbow on the back of the box,I turned directly downward to prevent water entry. The modifications lowered EGT readings 100- 125 degrees whether loaded or runnin empty. It all turned out to be a very inexpensive fix for high EGTs.

 

[rubberneck]

Dude your dealer is an idiot. There are no provisions for the factory ecm to cut fueling do to excessive EGT's. If there is ask him where the stock ECM picks up its temperature signal from?? Yup thats what i thought. No thermocouple. Bottom line, even stock trucks can get hot on the EGT. One thing of interest, is that you stated full throttle 3000 rpm. Have you tried leaving it in 6th gear and running at the lower rpms. You may find that it actually runs cooler on the egt. There are plenty of things you can do to help lower egt's. First thing i would do is add an EZ box with boost elbow. This will lower egt's by raising boost pressure and advancing timing. Trust your gauges man unless you have some reason not to, in which case get it checked out, but do not hold it over 1250 preturbo for too long, you are in the danger zone. Oh yeah find a new dealer if you need any work done, I wouldn't trust them