Checking engine performance – Banks Power Cummins Motorhomes: (Diesel ’98 - 03 ISB 5.9L) PowerPack TLC & Stinger TLC systems w_OttoMind Module 5.9L, Class-A MHExcept Comon Rail User Manual
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P.N. 96398
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CHECKING ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Go over the entire installation as a precautionary
check to ensure that all clamps are tight, wiring
and hoses are properly routed, and connections
are tight. Start the engine and allow it to warm
up. Drive the vehicle under light load (normal
around-town driving) for 20 to 30 minutes, and
listen for any exhaust leaks or rattles, or intake
boost leaks. Shut off the engine and re-tighten
all intercooler and turbocharger boost clamps.
These connections may have loosened with
time, and if leaking, will cause a drop in boost
pressure with a loss in performance. Check that
clamps are properly positioned on hoses, and
periodically check tightness of hose clamps at
regular maintenance intervals, such as when the
oil is changed.
Observe the operation of the boost and pyrometer
gauges while driving under varying conditions.
Turbocharger boost pressure will increase as a
function of load and engine RPM, thus the engine
will produce little boost while cruising at light
throttle, with maximum boost while climbing
hills heavily loaded and during acceleration. Note
the boost level seen during hard acceleration
with a given load. If performance seems to
have deteriorated sometime in the future, the
maximum boost figures may be compared to see
if boost has dropped off. Lower boost may be
caused by turbo ducting leaks, a malfunctioning
wastegate or fuel injection pump, or dirty air
filter. Typical maximum boost pressure settings
may vary considerably with model year of vehicle,
engine CPL and altitude.
Use your pyrometer gauge to monitor exhaust gas
temperature (EGT) in the engine. At idle, exhaust
gas temperature will be very low, perhaps only
300° F. As the engine is accelerated for higher
speeds with greater loads, the EGT will rise. The
highest EGT will be seen under maximum load at
full throttle, such as climbing a steep grade with a
heavily laden vehicle.
Use caution if your pyrometer reading
approaches 1275° F, with 1300° F being the
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM! Exceeding these
figures for more than a brief moment may
cause engine damage. If the vehicle reaches
maximum EGT under these conditions,
downshift the vehicle to reduce load, or back
off the throttle.