West Coast

I had to tow my skid steer today. Trailer and CAT skid steer weigh in at 10,300 lbs. With my # 8 plate the EGT's would get to 1300 really fast with the grades I had to pull. So tonight I decided to put my stock plate back in to see how much slower it would be with all my mods. The stock plate pulls almost as hard as the #8 plate if not the same. It seems to run smoother and the power is much more even through out the RPM range. I am assuming that my 80 HP injectors, 3K spring kit and timing at 15.5 helps the stock plate run good. But man, if I can keep my EGT"S down with the stock plate I will not go back to the #8. Any thoughts on why the stock plate would run very close to the # 8 plate?

Thanks.....

Dave

Muddin_dude06

With the #8 was it at FF? I would venture to say that it didn't seem like more power but created excessive EGT's because it put in so much more fuel it was unable to burn it, so you wasted large amounts... Now your turbo is your limiting factor, welcome to the "I need a new lung!" crowd!

West Coast

#8 plate was full forward.... Yeah Mudd that is exactly what I was thinking about the #8 plate...... I was dumping more fuel then I could burn. Truck is running much more efficient now. I drove my truck this morning and it feels great with the stock plate. Maybe a little less top end power. But more usable power through out the entire RPM range. And a lot less smoke. I truly use my truck for work and towing. So for now I will keep the stock plate and increased gas mileage.....!!!!

Thanks for the reply..

Dave

schoust

Hey West Coast try what I did I put a valet switch in in the form of a ball valve in line with the manifold signel to the afc,when I pull a lot of weight I simply turn the ball valve off and my egt are much lower,it's like a cheap valet switch.

Lil Dog

Thats a good idea for a cheap valet.. Might use that for when I lend the truck out...

Muddin_dude06

A valet is the best mod for a truck IMO, I drive mine in valet everywhere except on nights when I want to show off a little or have a buddy that wants to race. In valet I still have more power than a stock truck and nearly smoke free It makes mine drive and act 1000x better on the street...

West Coast

Can anyone show me a picture of the "valet" switch? I would like to install one on Sunday. Thanks....

Dave

schoust

Hey West Coast it's a fairly simple procedure all you have to do is get some 1/4 inch tubing (I used copper )but this can be done cheaper with plastic. What you do is find the line that comes frome the manifold and goes to the back of the Afc and take the end and run it into the cab into a small valve(I used a 1/4 inch ball valve) then mount it in such a way that it is easy to reach and turn off and run the othe end bach to the other side. It's as easy as that! This way when I'm hauling a lot of weight it cut's down on the egt's and gives the stock trany a break but the biggest reason I use it for is when I run the truck on grease.

West Coast

Thanks Schoust. I understand completely. What type of power reduction do you get with a #10 plate? With my #8 plate it is very hard to tow a grade because the slightest touch of the pedal and the EGT's sky rocket. Thanks for all the help and suggestions guys....

Dave

Dr. Evil

Im guessing but I would imagine that you could really feather the valet if you used a 1/4" needle valve instead of a ball valve...

schoust

It's all a matter of experimenting just set it up and try it,works for me....

West Coast

I have to tow again tomorrow. Could I just plug one end of the line for a temp valet switch? Thanks.....

Dave

schoust

I would think that would work because the valet the way I use it simply interupts the manifold signal and by plugging it that is what you are doing....

Muddin_dude06

Yes plugging up one side of the line will work, if you want to pay shipping I have a needle valve that fits perfectly on the back of the afc. You have to pop the hood to change it but other than that it works great. When in valet you are persay "only running on injectors", it takes the power if the plate out of the equation...

West Coast

I plugged one side this morning before I towed. Power was just like stock.... but a little to slow....

I installed a needle valve between the line a few minutes ago.. The main street outside of my neighborhood is about a 4% grade for about 3/4 mile. With the valve closed and towing 9800 lbs in second I could not get past 1000 EGT's. With valve open I could easily get to 1300 EGT's......

Thanks for the tips and help guys. Easy and simple towing solution.... Now I have to find the "money spot" on the needle valve for the best towing scenario.

Dave