2002, auto, stock except for Fass and larger tires, 110,000 miles

I am wondering if a P0234 (turbo limit exceeded) code could cause the engine temperature to rise.

About the same time I got this error I noticed that whenever I put the turbo to work (acceleration, continual speed of 70mph, etc..) the temperature gauge climbs. As soon as I back off the temperature returns to normal (190). Always this truck has run a constant 190 range and it took a lot to get the temp. to rise in the 210-220 range. So this is out of the ordinary and has me concerned.
There does appear to be a slight loss in power and I have since cleared the code and it has not come back (100 miles or so), but the temperature still climbs as mentioned and today I noticed a slight miss at idle after running it for about 20 miles.

I have changed the air filter thinking maybe the turbo was not getting enough air
Sprayed the wastegate valve, I assume it is sticking. It took some work to get it to move and it is still stiff though I have no clue how free it is supposed to be.
The radiator, with exception of a few bugs, is clean and is topped with antifreeze.
There are no visible leaks of antifreeze, nothing in the oil.
I changed both the pre filter and regular fuel filter, fuel pressure is a relatively constant 14-17psi

I do not have a pyro gauge or boost gauge, which I realize I need to get and would help, but before I start buying stuff I want to know if this sounds like a wastegate problem. If it is, from what I read on the site a boost fooler would solve this issue? Not quite sure.
Will this work even if the actuator is bad?

If this is the case then I can use the money that I would put forth with gauges and the boost fooler towards something like the edge attitude with juice which would have all the gauges and the boost fooler built in???

Thanks

 

sounds normal

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Being that I am a tad dense
Do you mean this is normal for a 100,000+ cummins and no need to panic yet
or
Do you mean that these conditions are normal for a p0234 condition?

What concerns me the most is I do not recall seeing these temp fluctuations happen like this before, not saying they didn't but I never noticed over the years.

 

How long have you had the 37" tires on it that would make a big change in your final drive ratio and could account for your problem ?

 

Running them for a few months now, I won't say that it is not the problem but I really do not think so. I noticed nothing out of the ordinary after swapping them initially. I was running 35 mt's before them so it was not that big a leap, at least in my opinion. Who knows I have experienced stranger things.

 

consider the thermostat, they don't last forever

 

The thermostat is a possiblity as well as the radiator being dirty. I know on my truck it started as just running a bit warmer than normal then it started doing as you describe adding go pedal I could watch the temp rise. I pulled my radiator out and cleaned the gunk out of it (the outside of it). You cant really adequately clean it with it in the vehicle as you cant get to most of it since the front is blocked by the intercooler and the ac condensor and the rear the fan and shroud are in the way. I was amazed at how much grimy buildup came out of it. I had moved my puke bottle early on so I didnt think it would be too bad but again was amazed at the gunk that came out. Some simple green and a pressure wash just be careful not to use too much pressure so you dont mess up all the fins. Been back to normal ever since and that was several years ago.

The 234 code should have nothing to do with it especailly since you say it isnt throwing that code any more. Worst case the engine would defuel with that code active and even then only when the map sensor was actually over limit. Could be your map sensor is going out or if you have a boost fooler it could be flaking out.

Me I would start with the thermostat (at least check it) and if that wasnt it I would clean the rad.

 

Thanks, I will start with the thermostat, and then the radiator. Looks like a project for next weekend.

Just wanted to make sure the p0234 code did not have anything to do with it, now I know and can proceed. Will update.

Thanks

 

It looks like it was the radiator, it needed cleaning from the puke bottle getting in the fins. You could not see it until you took the radiator out.
Looks like I need to bump that relocation up on the to do list.

I went ahead and replaced the thermostat too. Went with a 180 only because it was $30+ cheaper go figure? Temp holds steady now.

thanks guys.

 

glad you found it
234 is not it any ways almost every truck on hear is over boosted

 

I had an aftermarket thermostat (actually tried it several times). All allowed the temp to vary from a little cold to hot enough so that I thought I had a problem. A friend gave me a used Cummins tstat & I used the gasket from the aftermarket. Problem solved. The Cummins was around $70 & aftermarket was $35 but should have been free because it didn't work.