Too nice to it??
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 86
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From: Wi. Rapids, WI
Too nice to it??
Own a 2005 6.0l TD with 103K original miles. And I'm sure of it. I have always cared for my vehicles well as I do for this one. This is my 1st diesel. I pull a TT with a total weight of 8K. I rarely exceed 2200 rpms 'cause it seems like the right thing to do. Sometimes, when pulling a grade, my boost will reach 21 psi. I really thought it would pull better. Am I not pushing this engine hard enough or do I have a problem? Temps are within acceptable limits, have a new larger cat back exhaust set up, runs smooth as silk, is economical and I love it. However...…...
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Wi. Rapids, WI
I would assume from your response (I think) that I am babying this engine. And you are right - this truck is spotless, in and out. It has never seen snow, salt, sleet and if possible, I don't let in get rained on.
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 1
Yes, good interpretation of my post. You're babying this truck!
I'm sure if you put yours next to mine it would be surprising to most that my truck is a model year newer. Of course I bought mine to work with and the unfortunate reality is that I can't justify the extra costs of another vehicle, taxes, maintenance, fuel and insurance to use as a daily driver. The finances and my cheapness don't allow it.
I'm amused when I see people that use these vehicles as a grocery getter. The vehicle costs that I already mentioned save for insurance, are too great for me to even consider this to be anything what it is; a work truck. It is a tool that helps me at work.
Every panel of my truck has a dent or a scratch and the undercarriage has slightly less rust than the Titanic. The interior is in good shape however. I do wash it and I do maintain it according to schedule but I'll repeat it is a work vehicle.
I'm guessing yours is worth more than mine by a mile too!
I'm sure if you put yours next to mine it would be surprising to most that my truck is a model year newer. Of course I bought mine to work with and the unfortunate reality is that I can't justify the extra costs of another vehicle, taxes, maintenance, fuel and insurance to use as a daily driver. The finances and my cheapness don't allow it.
I'm amused when I see people that use these vehicles as a grocery getter. The vehicle costs that I already mentioned save for insurance, are too great for me to even consider this to be anything what it is; a work truck. It is a tool that helps me at work.
Every panel of my truck has a dent or a scratch and the undercarriage has slightly less rust than the Titanic. The interior is in good shape however. I do wash it and I do maintain it according to schedule but I'll repeat it is a work vehicle.
I'm guessing yours is worth more than mine by a mile too!
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 86
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From: Wi. Rapids, WI
Thanks for your response! I can appreciate where you're at. My day to day vehicle is my wife's 97 Ford Explorer Sport. It is (I'm sure) in worse shape than yours. Being retired, I have the luxury of using the diesel for towing almost exclusively - either my boat or the trailer. I waited most of my life to acquire the diesel, which is why I baby it. Having said that, I still expect it to do what a diesel is supposed to do - pull! Not knowing how hard to push it, has always been my concern. I know the specs on the engine as to torque and horsepower. That is why I try to keep it close to 2000 rpms when towing, however that leaves no room for error on a good grade. The minute it drops below 1800 rpms, it turns into the equivalent of a gas engine. I guess it is time to wind her up and make it work. Thanks!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 817
Likes: 27
If you lug it at 1800 going up a grade with a load, your exhaust temps are going to get pretty warm, even on a stock tune. Don’t be afraid to make it downshift and run 2600+ rpm. Keeps more air moving and at least can stabilize EGTs.
I tow about the same 8K trailer you do.
I tow about the same 8K trailer you do.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
At 2200 rpm how do you expect to keep the VGT clean? I advocate WOT on a somewhat often basis to keep things running well.
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Cargo Master
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From: Breckenridge, TX
You're not doing anything wrong, you just aren't getting the most power output possible. Don't be afraid to let it rev higher and work more when you need it to - that doesn't mean stomp on it and abuse it constantly, but letting it work when you need it is fine. 2000rpm is right around the torque peak so it's a good, stable RPM for cruising, even with a trailer on. If you can handle the slow starts it can be very economical, you don't need to mash the pedal to the floor every start. But when you need to accelerate to merge or get up a hill, let the transmission do it's thing and downshift and run higher RPMs until you get to the top. The PCM won't let the engine overspeed.
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