Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Questions after gauge install

[SteveR1]

Specs: 2000 CTD, 4X4, AT, "mildly" chipped but no other engine mods.



I recently installed full gauges (EGT, trans temp, boost and fuel pressure) and have a few questions.



1. I installed the EGT sensor pre-turbo in the rear (from the 3 rear cylinders) part of the exhaust manifold as everything I read says that runs hotter than the front part. Does anyone know how much cooler the front half runs?



2. It's obvious from towing with gauges that I've pushed EGTs a few times before I installed them. Is 1200* the max EGT that should be hit, or is it safe to exceed it on occasion?



3. What mods can be made, and in what order, to reduce EGTs? (It has all the pulling power I need, so I'm not looking to do anything significant to boost torque/HP. With the chip that's in it I've hit 25 psi on the boost gauge a couple of times. )



4. When towing up steep hills, the EGT wants to climb, which is expected. However, the engine temp (coolant) also starts to climb significantly. Is this typical?



5. Fuel pressure is about 15 psi at idle. If I get on it, it will drop; is that typical or does it indicate an early problem with the lift pump?



TIA

 

[nps]

Sounds like you are in good shape. The big difference in temps is pre turbo or post turbo. I think the difference in temps between the front and rear banks of cylinders would be difficult to measure. The belief of a difference is because of restricted airflow into the #6 cylinder.



1300 is max, although I try to stay under 1250 sustained. On occasion, exceeding 1300 is tolerable for short durations.



EGTs will be lowered by getting rid of your muffler and resonator, going to a 4 inch exhaust, and a BHAF air filter.



Your coolant temps and fuel pressure are normal. You should hear your fan clutch kick in going up a hill to bring them down (or at least stop the climb). if the coolant temps are significantly high, you may want to pull your radiator and clean it.

 

[DieselRam30]

2. It's obvious from towing with gauges that I've pushed EGTs a few times before I installed them. Is 1200* the max EGT that should be hit, or is it safe to exceed it on occasion?

1300 degrees is about the maximum I would recommend for anything longer than short bursts. A lot of guys making big power on the dyno or sled pulling, drag racing, etc. can run higher EGTs and get away with it because the temperatures are only up there for a short period of time.

3. What mods can be made, and in what order, to reduce EGTs? (It has all the pulling power I need, so I'm not looking to do anything significant to boost torque/HP. With the chip that's in it I've hit 25 psi on the boost gauge a couple of times. )

nps pretty much hit this one right on the head. Exhaust and intake will the biggest improvements as far as reducing EGTs for your setup. More boost also equals better EGT cooling in diesels (as long as the turbo is on the map) so more boost could help you out. But considering you aren't looking for more power and haven't added any big power adders, this more boost probably isn't' necessary for you. Exhaust and intake should cover it.

5. Fuel pressure is about 15 psi at idle. If I get on it, it will drop; is that typical or does it indicate an early problem with the lift pump?

This is normal and not an indication of lift pump failure. When the pressure starts to drop below about 8 psi, then I would start to worry about the lift pump. There are various products available if you want to have consistent fuel pressure throughout the operating range and prevent yourself from going through multiple lift pumps (though not all owners go through multiple replacements). PM me or do a search for more info on lift pump solutions. There's lots of info out there.