Not stronge enough??
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 86
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From: Wi. Rapids, WI
Not stronge enough??
Recently completed the first long trip pulling an 8000 lb tr. trailer. Struggled up hills (TN & KY). Would slow to 50 on a long grade. Equipped with new oil cooler, new EGR cooler, EDP cat back exhaust, K&N air intake, Scan 2 engine monitor (which does indicate that turbo boost is working). This engine has 91,000 original miles and just purrs but I thought it would pull better. My mistake or is something not doing what it is supposed to? Now, I never really mashed the pedal and I do not take the boost go above 30 psi. Am I being to gentle? Thoughts please.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,910
Likes: 18
From: NW IA
Also curious what % grade? Those states both have some fairly steep and long hills, so if you were not pushing it then 50 would not be out of the question.
If all the parameters were normal, not sure I would be that worried unless it seems like it was really struggling.
If all the parameters were normal, not sure I would be that worried unless it seems like it was really struggling.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
I could pull my 13K 5er through the Sierras with no problem at all. On the extreme grades, 7% plus I would manually pull her down into third gear and cruise the hills all day maintaining 50 to 55 mph. The truck has a gear shift for a reason. Let the gearing do the work it was designed to do. My 05 was totally stock. Take Jacks suggestion and dump the K&N. Your truck will thank you. Also, if you like your head gaskets limit the boost to 28 psi or lower. Your truck shouldn't be hitting 30 psi.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 883
Likes: 5
We got a few big hills around here long and steep that will work a loaded 6.0 on its best day, watch them temps,use the gears and let that dog eat.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,910
Likes: 18
From: NW IA
What do most folks do when gearing down?
Stick it in 3rd if it's a long steep hill?
Only if it's hunting for gears?
Stick it in 3rd if it's a long steep hill?
Only if it's hunting for gears?
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Houston, Tx
I leave it in drive and let it pick a gear once it's happy I just leave the throttle there. can be usually around 50-55. only time I push it is when there is a Semi behind me trying to make time and I don't want to hold them up.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
If you leave it in drive on long grades, watch your temps. If mine start to climb, dropping into 3rd starts cooling her down almost immediately.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 86
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From: Wi. Rapids, WI
Thanks for the responses. You guys are making me feel better. Was in tow/haul on the climbs that were probably 5 to 6%. Would agree with the boost limitation due to computer settings but the Scan gauge goes nuts when it shifts down and boost goes up so am relying on the dash gauge which is marginal. I have a habit of backing off so the boost stays in the low 20's. As to wind, yup, we were getting hit hard. Front of my trailer is relatively flat. I though the K&N system was the cats meow. Not so? As to temps, the remain within 9 degrees of one another at all times. Fellow says he pulls it down to third gear and cruises up and down at 50 to 55. What is the rpm max that is safe. Got to be running high in third to maintain 55.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,924
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Thanks for the responses. You guys are making me feel better. Was in tow/haul on the climbs that were probably 5 to 6%. Would agree with the boost limitation due to computer settings but the Scan gauge goes nuts when it shifts down and boost goes up so am relying on the dash gauge which is marginal. I have a habit of backing off so the boost stays in the low 20's. As to wind, yup, we were getting hit hard. Front of my trailer is relatively flat. I thought the K&N system was the cats meow. Not so? As to temps, the remain within 9 degrees of one another at all times. Fellow says he pulls it down to third gear and cruises up and down at 50 to 55. What is the rpm max that is safe. Got to be running high in third to maintain 55.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Would like to add, if an oil lubed filter is used it can play havoc with map/maf sensors.