this may aanother one of my stupid questions. but why do i need the pyro guage on my truck. the guage pods only hold 3 and i wanted the fp, tans temp, and boost what the the importance of having the pyro reading. i dont do alot of racing or anything mostly just drive to work and pull sutff like camper and boat or tractor.

 

you dont wanna run the engine too hot for too long

 

ok i understand that but isn't the temp guage from the factory gonna let u know i fyou are getting hot

 

The pyrometer isnt just for racing. Your power puck mod combined with the camper or towing the tractor can make things very hot. The coolant temperature has nothing to do with the exhaust temperature. Sustained elevated exhaust temps above 1200F can cause melted pistons (usually will result in replacing the engine). A pyrometer should come from the factory in these truck becasue even with stock fueling you ca see some dangerous temps.

Bottom line, you definitely should have a pyrometer.

 

now i guess i will not be b=getting a boost guage then. unless this is improtant too. if the pyro does say my truk is warming up what am i to do about it.

 

I agree. If anything you should get the trans temp, EGT, and fuel pressure gauges and not worry about the boost gauge. Although it is helpful when diagnosing problems, it's not vital to engine function. If you tow at all then definately get an EGT gauge. You'll be surprised just how hot you can get the pistons. The pistons on these trucks are aluminum and sustained temps over 1200* can cause them to soften and score the cylinders or destroy the engine. Do a search on here for melted pistons. You should be able to find some pics of what happens when the EGT's get to high.

 

also found isspro guages on eguages.com for really good price. pyro was only 69$ but said i needed to purchase lead wire and thermocouple to hook it up

 

what steps can be taken to try and keep it cool

 

Isspro Pyros are around $130 with the thermocouple. Isspros are very good guages. Very cheap when you consider the cost of a rebuilt engine $9k+

You can always install a boost guage on/under the dash at a later date if you still want/need one.

 

You cannot really do anything to keep it cool (unless you want to but a better turbo). You need the pyrometer to monitor the exhaust temperatures. When you reach 1200F you have to let up on the fuel and youre exhaust temperatures will drop.

 

Once you fill the three pod setup you can still put a fourth gauge on the steering column. There's some nice single gauge pod for that. That's where my pyro is. Ditto everyone on the EGT's. The guage will also help you see when you've had enough cool down time before you shut her off. Very important to let that turbo cool before shutdown. Hopr that helps.

 

Yes, another very good point....shutting off before its 300 degrees can result in you buying a new turbo.

 

i appreciate all the help guys does anyone know of a good diesel mech around jacksonville NC

 

also i saw the ad for the quadzilla commander does anyone recommend getting this over the gauges

 

You can get it instead of actual guages. Personally I like analog guages...dont care for the digitals. as well, A few guys have had the electric senders crap out and give them irradic readings.