How to drive a diesel
Urban Legend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 365
Likes: 2
From: Cleburne TX
Originally posted by Haulin_in_Dixie
Something that will make it easier on the engine when pulling a big hill and getting all heated up is as you crest the hill, just back off the throttle a little to let things cool down before getting into coasting down the hill. Makes the shock of getting cold fast a little easier.
You said you have class 8 experience, use it and drive the same as you would a big truck, there is really no difference, just lighter weight with smaller engine and brakes. I don't ever ride the brakes, sorry guys, a little light pressure to knock off 5 mph is not hard on the brakes nor does it heat things up. I keep the jordan set up so that I can drag the trailer brakes for minor slow downs withough hitting the truck brakes which will be cool if needed in a hurry. My light stopping is done with the trailer brakes. Works real good for me.
After a couple of bad hills with overspeed in an 18 wheeler you catch on real fast how to get it back under control again. You hit them hard, down gear, hit them hard, down gear, and keep doing that to get the speed dowh to where you can handle it. Try and ride them down and you just fade and get way too hot. First rule of life on a steep hill, you have to slow it down or die. This paragraph is ONLY for the do or die situation where you have screwed up and are running away. If you have been riding the brakes and get in this situation you are too hot to jamb them down one gear.
Another thing to remember when using the engine for a brake, you can let it climb up to the 3300 rpm figure all day long. The faster it is turning the more braking power it has. Cummins says it will not hurt it.
Something that will make it easier on the engine when pulling a big hill and getting all heated up is as you crest the hill, just back off the throttle a little to let things cool down before getting into coasting down the hill. Makes the shock of getting cold fast a little easier.
You said you have class 8 experience, use it and drive the same as you would a big truck, there is really no difference, just lighter weight with smaller engine and brakes. I don't ever ride the brakes, sorry guys, a little light pressure to knock off 5 mph is not hard on the brakes nor does it heat things up. I keep the jordan set up so that I can drag the trailer brakes for minor slow downs withough hitting the truck brakes which will be cool if needed in a hurry. My light stopping is done with the trailer brakes. Works real good for me.
After a couple of bad hills with overspeed in an 18 wheeler you catch on real fast how to get it back under control again. You hit them hard, down gear, hit them hard, down gear, and keep doing that to get the speed dowh to where you can handle it. Try and ride them down and you just fade and get way too hot. First rule of life on a steep hill, you have to slow it down or die. This paragraph is ONLY for the do or die situation where you have screwed up and are running away. If you have been riding the brakes and get in this situation you are too hot to jamb them down one gear.
Another thing to remember when using the engine for a brake, you can let it climb up to the 3300 rpm figure all day long. The faster it is turning the more braking power it has. Cummins says it will not hurt it.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 0
From: New Meadows, Idaho
There is no reason in life to race your truck loaded downhill. The force of the load has to be taken in somewhere. Like the brakes in HEAT!
Take your time and enjoy the ride... It's a Cummins not a race car!!!
I've seen too many bad vehicle accidents involving a big rig or even a pipckup haulin a load trailer try to race down a 7% grade to find out they signing his/her death wish...
I look at it this way if you got to press the brakes often your going WAY TOO FAST! - I can drive most grade out here and NEVER TOUCH THE SERVICE BRAKES - Just using the JAKE!
That's why my rotors are not warpped and I still got factory brake shoes!
Take your time and enjoy the ride... It's a Cummins not a race car!!!
I've seen too many bad vehicle accidents involving a big rig or even a pipckup haulin a load trailer try to race down a 7% grade to find out they signing his/her death wish...
I look at it this way if you got to press the brakes often your going WAY TOO FAST! - I can drive most grade out here and NEVER TOUCH THE SERVICE BRAKES - Just using the JAKE!
That's why my rotors are not warpped and I still got factory brake shoes!
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 615
Likes: 1
From: Ft. McMurray Alberta
Curious about these hot pulling engines cooling too fast, 180F thermostat allows a hard working engine to usually reach 210F max and is then open fully supplying cooled water from the radiator. Water in engine falls to 185F and thermostat starts to close- decend a hill and engine thermostat maintains the same 180F water temp except in extreme cold weather. 30F variance between hottest and coldest temperature in a working engine, an everyday continous cycle in industrial diesels across the world in a variety of climates?? Overheated engine- an engine in which the maximum water temp continues to rise past the controlled temps (210F) with fan on and thermostat open. Operating temperature of an engine- temperature "range" set by the limits of it's components to maximize power and effeciency eg; 180-210F. Descending hills safely is an educated art knowing your vehicles braking limits- we have far exceeded the average safe downhill speed with power to accelerate uphill loaded and be equal like class 8 trucks. Let's be realistic if your in that much of a hurry to get there loaded you planned poorly and under estimated the time to haul the load safely. It's a Cummins in a truck not a C5A Galaxy- if you are on holidays there is no excuse to comprimise safety either. PK
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
swampthang
General Diesel Discussion
1
Apr 10, 2007 10:47 PM
skymiles
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
10
Dec 21, 2006 10:05 PM
Hummin Cummins
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
6
Feb 11, 2003 12:14 PM
Copenhagenjunkie
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
2
Dec 27, 2002 05:45 PM
