Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Timing boxes and towing

[SnoKing]

How many have had head gasket problems towing with a timing box. SNOKING

 

[R-N-R]

Not yet... .

 

[SnoKing]

BTW, I started this poll because of statements in this thread. SNOKING

 

[Graphic man]

in most cases its too much boost 45+lbs that can cause a blown head gasket

cylinder pressure gets too high

 

[SnoKing]

OK, for the two people that answered yes, what kind of boost numbers were you running? SNOKING

 

[rblomquist]

22lbs of boost is the max for me, which as you guys know is not jack in the big scheme of things in regard to the CTD. For those that haven't read the other thread I'm pretty sure I'm losing my 2nd head gasket in 2 years. With the minimal power mods I have I'm really puzzled as to why this is happening. If my truck had the 2 headgaskets installed by the same dealer I'd be suspicious of the shop but in my case each head gasket was installed by different shops/mechanics. I'm scratching my head... ... ... ... .



Trouble is there's no quantification of the specifics of the question responses. What I mean is without folks posting the frequency, weight, and geographic locale the results could be very misleading. There's a big difference between towing a heavy trailer (10k+ or whatever the metric is), one weekend a month or more (200+ miles a trip), out West, up and over huge mountain passes that take minutes to climb, in big head winds etc... ... and a guy that responds that he tows but his details are he's towing a 3,000lb boat (which rides in the slip-stream of the truck) once a blue moon (few times a year), in the flat lands of Kansas.



It'd be nice to find out if there's a trend here within a certain owners pool who use their rigs under a specific set of condtions.

 

[JBlock]

Have had them check for a wrap head or block, two head gaskets in two years at 22 psi doe sound right.

 

[R-N-R]

I have max boost set at 32psi and usually tow with the DComp box on 2x3. While cruising I typically see 10-12psi, and upwards of 20psi during normal acceleration (rolling) while towing. The truck has a topper, trailer weighs about 6500# loaded, and lower MI is very flat. I have not towed with the HRVP and have not installed the CaTCHer yet.

 

[SnoKing]

I emailed keith, here is the email and his answer:

"At 06:12 AM 4/29/2005, you wrote:

>Keith, the EZ and Comp boxes you market have less advance than the

>standard Edge product???? I put a poll about timing boxes on TDR after

>another member said that towing with a timing box was not a good idea, as

>cylinder pressure is to high and you will blow a head gasket. Your

>comments please. SNOKING



All the Edge stuff is now the same as what we offered. They have adjusted

the timing to our level. There should be no problems with an EZ or a Comp

while towing. Someone doesn't know what they are talking about.





Thanks for your interest in Diesel Dynamics' products.



Keith Lockliear

Diesel Dynamics

800-628-8111"

 

[ThrottleJockey]

SNOKING,



You seem to me to be an intelligent individual, so I am asking you to think for yourself in this situation.



What did you expect Keith to say? " Oh, geez, are you nuts? Don't tow with our box on! I'm surprised you even PURCHASED it!"



Of course they are going to say it's okay, BUT THINK FOR YOURSELF. Why do you think the ECM, sensing a loaded trailer on your hitch, through various engine monitoring hardware, RETARDS the injection event?



For the SAME reason it takes Dave Mitchell TWO cans of ether AND engine oil heaters to even START his competition puller!!



Think, you know the answer. That's why you started this poll and this thread. What do his puller and your truck have in common BESIDES the combustion process?



There is only ONE way to make diesel horsepower under load. From Mr. Nasty and Dave Mitchell all the way down to you and I.



Brian

 

[Hohn]

I don't think there's any harm in towing with a slight timing advance. But it has to be slight.



I've been told by Don M (IIRC) that the HOs actually have a little less timing than the SOs (probably to offset the higher CR somewhat).



Thus, a slight timing advance on an HO won't hurt much. Be aware though, that timing has LOT more effect on cylinder pressure than does CR.



I have read Bruce Mallinson's articles at length, preaching high HP through retarded timing, lower CR, and more boost.



While I think Bruce is correct, I don't think that the same methodology applies necessarily to BOMBing.



Let me clarify-- if you are towing HEAVY, and all the time, then yes, follow Mallinson's recipe.



But for big power at lighter loads, I think that that the engine can handle more CR and a little more timing.



Timing should be changed in very small increments.



Those who have driven a MAD ECM (marco's Catcher) would tell you that advancing timing can be a good good thing.



That said, I think I may be going with a TST for my fueling... .



JLH

 

[ThrottleJockey]

In support of Hohn's last post, I was towing heavy up Snoqualmie, 18000 pound triple slide out triple axle fiver for a customer in Tacoma. Headgasket didn't blow, it exploded.



I agree with Hohn and please disregard my post on timing boxes, I believe I am uneccessarily being an alarmist. Please continue to enjoy your timing boxes and recreational/vocational towing practices.



Thanks Justin,



Brian

 

[ThrottleJockey]

That said, I think I may be going with a TST for my fueling... .





Yeah, me too...