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Why don't my EGTs decrease when downshifting?

Old Apr 1, 2012 | 10:20 AM
  #1  
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Why don't my EGTs decrease when downshifting?

One of the general recommendations to reduce EGT's, particularly when towing, is to downshift. When I do that in the rig described in my signature, rpms obviously go up, boost increases, but EGTs either stay put on continue climbing, as if no downshift occurred. Why is that?

I've got bellowed up pipes and no discernible exhaust leaks, and no discernible boost leaks (can hit 25psi, which I think is about where my Turbo-Master wastegate controller is set). When Jody live-tuned my truck he noticed the issue, and mentioned that he'd seen it in one other truck, but didn't know if the owner had figured out why.

Any ideas? I'd love to figure this out, as it would greatly increase my ability to get up the passes around here.

Mark
 
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 10:27 AM
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If you don't downshift, do temps keep rising?

Downshifting won't always reduce EGT's, but it can keep them from continuing to rise higher and higher, especially at high altitude.

For instance, if you make the exact same run twice - once with downshifting, and once without - and compare the end results for EGT's, which one ends up being higher?
 
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 06:03 PM
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Hi Curtis. I was hoping you'd chime in...

Yes, they do. This thing has always run hotter EGTs than some of my friend's rigs, but they are all trucks and perhaps a little lighter. I can go well past 1400 when towing if I don't back out, and this is true whether it stays in OD, downshifts on it's own, or if I downshift manually.

My expectation, and perhaps you can tell me if it's realistic, is that a downshift to 3rd should generally stop the rise of EGTs, if not reduce them some, and least for a short time. That never happens.

I just thought of something: With a stock tranny and tuning, downshifting unlocks the torque converter, and most folks back out just a little 'till it locks up again, then ease back into it. (At least that's how I drove.) That behavior would reduce EGTs, for sure. With BTS and Jody's tunes, though, the TC doesn't unlock, so my pedal position no longer changes during and after a downshift. Could that be the sole reason for what I'm seeing? It still seems like EGTs should change some, as the combination of RPM increase and higher boost means there is suddenly a lot more exhaust is being created, but perhaps I'm not thinking about that right.

Mark
 
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by ScaldedDog
Hi Curtis. I was hoping you'd chime in...

Yes, they do. This thing has always run hotter EGTs than some of my friend's rigs, but they are all trucks and perhaps a little lighter. I can go well past 1400 when towing if I don't back out, and this is true whether it stays in OD, downshifts on it's own, or if I downshift manually.

My expectation, and perhaps you can tell me if it's realistic, is that a downshift to 3rd should generally stop the rise of EGTs, if not reduce them some, and least for a short time. That never happens.

I just thought of something: With a stock tranny and tuning, downshifting unlocks the torque converter, and most folks back out just a little 'till it locks up again, then ease back into it. (At least that's how I drove.) That behavior would reduce EGTs, for sure. With BTS and Jody's tunes, though, the TC doesn't unlock, so my pedal position no longer changes during and after a downshift. Could that be the sole reason for what I'm seeing? It still seems like EGTs should change some, as the combination of RPM increase and higher boost means there is suddenly a lot more exhaust is being created, but perhaps I'm not thinking about that right.

Mark
Actually, the downshift and T/C lockup strategy for stock trucks depends entirely on the PCM code. Some lock up far earlier than others.

1400 degrees towing is pretty high. Either you're actually hitting those temps, or your gauge is inaccurate. If you're really hitting those temps, then there are many reasons for that, ranging from engine issues to tuning.

Mark, if you'd like to get together sometime for me to look at your EX, let me know and I'll gladly help you out.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 07:44 AM
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When I tow heavy (15-20k) I do my best to keep it under 1200*- if I start dozing it can hit 13+ no problem, but I just use my pyro instead of the speedo, especially on hills. Are you maybe pushing it too hard? What kinda injectors you running? Is your air filter clean? 25psi should be plenty, but I myself like being able to get a little more out of it, although the stock turbo is pretty much limited at about 24-25 psi before you get surge.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 08:40 AM
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I would say water injection would help, for those who tow heavy and in high elev. also better intercooler. JMOP.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by ScaldedDog
Hi Curtis. I was hoping you'd chime in...

Yes, they do. This thing has always run hotter EGTs than some of my friend's rigs, but they are all trucks and perhaps a little lighter. I can go well past 1400 when towing if I don't back out, and this is true whether it stays in OD, downshifts on it's own, or if I downshift manually.

My expectation, and perhaps you can tell me if it's realistic, is that a downshift to 3rd should generally stop the rise of EGTs, if not reduce them some, and least for a short time. That never happens.

I just thought of something: With a stock tranny and tuning, downshifting unlocks the torque converter, and most folks back out just a little 'till it locks up again, then ease back into it. (At least that's how I drove.) That behavior would reduce EGTs, for sure. With BTS and Jody's tunes, though, the TC doesn't unlock, so my pedal position no longer changes during and after a downshift. Could that be the sole reason for what I'm seeing? It still seems like EGTs should change some, as the combination of RPM increase and higher boost means there is suddenly a lot more exhaust is being created, but perhaps I'm not thinking about that right.

Mark
according to your Sig, you haven't upgraded your intercooler yet. I am chose to go with the 6.0 IC, and with my setup, it drops my EGT's right around 220* when towing. I spent a total of $130 doing the upgrade, might be worth checking into for ya! Many will tell you on here the 6.0 isn't worth it, in my case....it produced REAL results, tested on the exact same hill, towing my boat.....before and after I swapped IC's
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 09:44 AM
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Downshifting alone isn't typically going to lower EGT's unless you back out of the go pedal some. The only time it will is if the higher RPM's allow you to back off the fuel.

The strategy I use is to downshift before I'm actually on the grade, which allows me to back out of the go pedal and lower EGT's before I'm on the hill and gives me more time before I'm up against my temperature limit. Once you're on the hill and get the temperatures up against your temperature limit, there's not a lot you can do except grab a gear and back out of the fuel.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by mongo75
When I tow heavy (15-20k) I do my best to keep it under 1200*- if I start dozing it can hit 13+ no problem, but I just use my pyro instead of the speedo, especially on hills. Are you maybe pushing it too hard? What kinda injectors you running? Is your air filter clean? 25psi should be plenty, but I myself like being able to get a little more out of it, although the stock turbo is pretty much limited at about 24-25 psi before you get surge.
I've heard about people not liking the 6637 for this reason, but I am no expert because mine came with the AIS intake. I also disconnected the red line. This video is easier to see with full screen and go as high as you can with the quality.


80e Tune 4in Exhaust.MP4 - YouTube

I don't suppose ScaldedDog knows somebody with AE. Hooking up and watching a number of things would provide a clue, since Jody spotted it right away.

 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by UP_There
according to your Sig, you haven't upgraded your intercooler yet. I am chose to go with the 6.0 IC, and with my setup, it drops my EGT's right around 220* when towing. I spent a total of $130 doing the upgrade, might be worth checking into for ya! Many will tell you on here the 6.0 isn't worth it, in my case....it produced REAL results, tested on the exact same hill, towing my boat.....before and after I swapped IC's
If you dropped 200* with a 6.0 swap, then you had boost leaks, a hole in the old IC or it was full of oil...

There is just not enough size differance to create that drop...
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by CSIPSD
If you dropped 200* with a 6.0 swap, then you had boost leaks, a hole in the old IC or it was full of oil...

There is just not enough size differance to create that drop...
it was 220*....not 200*. No leaks. I knew you'd show up, you can't ever help but to attempt to prove me wrong.

Judge for yourself if you think the 6.0 will work better then a 7.3 intercooler. Does the term "size matters" come to mind???



 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by UP_There
it was 220*....not 200*. No leaks. I knew you'd show up, you can't ever help but to attempt to prove me wrong.

Judge for yourself if you think the 6.0 will work better then a 7.3 intercooler. Does the term "size matters" come to mind???



Why do you have to act like that? If you want a brow beating by all means let me know... I'm simply stating facts, the size difference is not enough to create the temp changes you are claiming unless something else was changed or adjusted at the same time... Just cant happen...

Over head shot... New is the 6.0, old is the 7.3...



Notice it is a narrower core...



Slightly thicker core...



In reality you have slightly LESS frontal area exposed to air flow... However the thicker core makes up for that...

Simply NOT a performance upgrade...
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by CSIPSD
Why do you have to act like that?
the rest of your post all I saw was Blah Blah Blah calling me a Liar (again)

if there wasn't NOTICEABLE results, then the thousands of people that have done it (and liked it) must be wrong according to you. I have never said the 6.0 intercooler is as good as an aftermarket Spearco, or Banks, or etc.......but it DOES work! (at 10% of the cost) If somebody is on a budget, and lots in this economy are, it's a very acceptable upgrade. So bash it all you want, you are in the minority. I sincerely apologize to the original poster for this rant
 
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Old Apr 3, 2012 | 01:24 AM
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As soon as I saw you post about the 6.0 core I KNEW the other would show up LOL... wow, and I used post # 3600 to cover this hehehe... too bad I can't find the popcorn eating smilie guy....

I'm kinda with clux- I usually have it in cruise, so when I start getting hot, I tap the brake to take it outta cruise, but keep my foot in it. At about 1100* I get outta the go pedal to take the load of the tranny, then throw it in 3rd, and after about a second or so, get back into the throttle. It used to slam the tranny with the heavy loads I drag, but now I'm good enough to where you don't notice the speed change, just an increase in rpms.

But we gotta face facts- us PSD owners keep asking more and more of our trucks. Hell for what I do I should be using at least a medium duty truck (F-550) to cover the RAWR, but it still won't be enough power. That's why you see some 3-4 car trailers being towed by a single axle tractor- they got the power you need to keep your foot in it no matter the terrain.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2012 | 06:49 AM
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I would say a 200 degree drop means you had wicked leaks. I'm with Joe partially. I very much like my 6.0 IC if it can be done for less that $200.
 
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