...what should it be<br><br>before turbo?<br><br>after turbo?<br><br>Which should I be monitoring?

 

assuming '03 isn't any different than the older ones...1350 absolute max, drive it 1200-1300 all day long, but back off if you exceed 1300 as 1350 seems to be the begining of melt down. cool it down to 300 before shutting off by letting it idle.

These are pre-turbo numbers.

 

So normal operating temps are 12-1300? <br><br>That close to meltdown?

 

no, no, no. Sorry I wasn't very clear. The only way you will get temps up that high is a steep hill with heavy trailer. Normal driving you might see 1000 if you're really on it - and on a hill. The guage will actually move with the tachometer...it changes relatively fast - you won't see it parked in one position unless the gas (or would that be diesel ) pedal is parked in one position (cruise on, or @ idle). Basically it is a engine load meter...the more fuel added (higher load) the higher the egt wil go. Just cruising down the freeway you will probably see around 700-800 maybe.

 

I was going to put one after turbo because it looks a lot easier and<br>I don't plan on a build up just to know what the motor is doing.<br>Would that work for what I need. What about the temp after turbo?<br>The dealer told me that if I lost a turbo and I had a gauge or hole<br>drilled they could not help under warranty!<br>I need the warranty My last CTD went BOOM!!<br>Jon<br>

 

Hummin' Cummins:<br><br>A few years ago Cummins Engine Co. did extensive <br>testing on the maximum allowable exhaust gas <br>temperatures under all conditions for the Cummins<br>5.9 Engine in our trucks. <br><br>They found that &quot;pre-turbo&quot; that MAXIMUM <br>temperature was 1300 degrees F.<br><br>&quot;Post turbo&quot; the MAXIMUM temperature should<br>not exceed 1000 degrees F.<br><br>Alot of the members on this site including myself<br>have &quot;spiked&quot; our EGT gauges beyond what is<br>listed but it is not advisable to stay there for <br>too long. <br><br>-------<br>John_P