Altitude

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Jun 12, 2010 | 04:37 PM

Gearitis

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 950

Likes: 6

From: Waco, Texas

Altitude

I did a search and could not find a definitive answer, but here it goes. We are planning a trip to the Buena Vista, Colorado area and obviously will tow a 10,000+ lb 5er there. Elevation at Buena Vista is about 8500 feet and not any real passes over 9000 ft to get there and that is at Ratan pass on I-25. Once I unhook we plan on going over a a couple of 12,000 ft passes to get to Aspen and also to fish at Taylor Park, what are the problems or things I should watch when going that high with the 6.4 or even a diesel. turbo problems, Boost? Is there a high mark I should watch??? I just need a heads up if any! I have always done this in the past with a gasser, F-250 v8 and a V-10 Motorhome.
Ideas, suggestions?

Jun 12, 2010 | 04:46 PM

mud rat jr.

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 104

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From: rocky mtn high summit co.

I live at 9000 and go way over that weekly, no real problems,seem to regen more often (hard pull up no load going downhill) as a side note, ford does a lot of testing up here with the trucks.Hope this helps

Jun 12, 2010 | 05:51 PM

senix

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Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 37,384

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From: Frederick, MD

I have gone over Raton with a snow storm in mine and did not have any issues. Guess we are gonna miss each other. I will be around last couple weeks in July.

Jun 12, 2010 | 07:14 PM

Gearitis

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 950

Likes: 6

From: Waco, Texas

I did not know if there would be any problems with the turbos as physics would dictate that they would actually work at a higher rpm due to thinner air due to elevation to produce appropriate results. Going up to 12,000, I even have a hard time if I run a bit.

Senix,And yes, we will miss as we will be leaving July 2nd, we will cut off at Walsenburg so we don't have to go around Pueblo. Sister lives in Buena Vista...so I have an excuse to go there.....Cool air, for at least a week......

Jun 12, 2010 | 10:18 PM

Tom

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Isanti, MN

Never driven my F250 at high elevations, but at my last job I did a fair amount of pulling over the mountains of Colorado. I remember two distinct things about the way my Caterpillar engine handled high altitudes.

The most noticeable was the longer time it took to build boost coming on the throttle. The engine was far more gutless than usual until the turbos spun up, but once i had a good 20+ PSI of boost it pulled just like it always did.

I also remember that the engine had a tougher time keeping cool as the altitude got higher. One particular load I was pulling the grade on I-70 up to the Eisenhower tunnel with 45,000 lbs in the box and I actually overheated. Nothing was wrong with the truck, and in virtually all conditions and grades at lower altitudes when the engine fan kicked on the temp ALWAYS went down. At that altitude the fan kicked on and stayed on and the temps kept climbing. Nothing was wrong with the cooling system, I think it had to do with the thinner air up there being able to absorb less heat off the radiator.

I can't say for certain whether or not these two effects will be noticed on a PSD powered Super Duty, but I think it's likely. Just watch your temps on those long grades and enjoy!