Add On Gauges For Turbo Diesels -- Worthwhile?

[TractorLegend]

I would think an oil temp guage at the turbo supply oil line would be an indicator of oil temp---thats what the concern is with on a turbo on a hot shut off is the oil cokeing in the supply line.
Exhaust temp will reduce dramatically just slowing to an idle or coming off load. just my nickel and a half.

 

[SnowRidge]

The hot turbo cooks the oil. When the engine is running, the oil flows through the turbo's bearing area so quickly that it can't coke. Once the engine is shut down, the oil flow ceases. The remaining oil that is coating the bearings will coke if the temperature of the turbo is high enough to heat it sufficiently, fouling the bearings. The temperature of the oil supply doesn't matter all that much. The temperature of the turbo does.

That is how I understand it.

 

[cowboydoc]

You are exactly right Snowridge. You don't care so much about the oil temp as you do the temp of the gases at the turbo.

 

[midlf]

So do you hook up the ETG before or after the turbo?

 

[jcmseven]

The gauge sensor needs to go on the outlet pipe. That gives the most accurate reading. I think EGT's and transmission/boost gauges are really important for any new diesel that is getting heavy work. The reality is many of us including myself do not work a diesel engine hard enough to merit the cost of a EGT gauge or boost monitor. In my modified truck, it is essential. I think there is not right or wrong answer; a lot depends on how the truck is used. Long hauls or capacity towing, yes, short commutes, no.

John M

 

[cowboydoc]

There is some debate as to which one is best. The bigger argument is that pre-turbo is best. That is what we use and most trucks do.

 

[TractorLegend]

So all this concern begs the question: whats the ideal temp to see on the EGT to safely turn off your motor?

 

[boomer4snow]

A lot of people argue the pre/post turbo question, I would rather see the temperature the turbo is seeing coming from the exhaust manifold (pre-turbo) so I know when the temps are getting to high, and not having to guess what they really are with a post turbo setup. Also on my 04.5 Ram if I keep the pyro right at 600 degrees and the boost just below 10 psi with cruise on, I can get almost a 2 mpg HWY non towing increase in MPG. Seems that the motor runs most efficiently at that "sweet spot" , without the gauges, I would never know. Also, a FP gauge lets you keep an eye on the lift pump status, fuel filter condition, and WHEN you bomb the truck /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You can keep tabs on how much fuel you have till you are sucking the lift pump dry. (Stacked chips will run it to 0 quick /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif) The Boost gauge will let you know when you "pop a boot" if you have a leak, a really nasty clogged air filter, etc..

I run a pyro, in a SRT 10 A pillar (factory grab handle with a gauge hole matches perfect) and a tranny temp, boost, and a fuel pressure in the "cubby hole" with an autometer kit. I did have them all in a 4 pillar setup, but the visibility was awful, and the fit was so, so.


One warning, Gauges on a diesel just scream to the service guys HOTRODDED!! You can remove almost all of the power enhancing stuff for a trip to the dealership and claim it is bone stock and broken. The service techs/warranty guys know this. The gauges will make them look really hard for any power enhancers to deny any warranty claims.

 

[Michael_E_Tx]

Tractor, I've always been told and bide by the rule of thumb of 300 degrees. This is with a pre-turbo guage.

Michael

 

[midlf]

The first part of this discussion needs to be are we talking C or F degrees.