Heavy Towing and timing
 

I am going to be towing a 14k fifth wheel up some pretty long 8-9% grades. I need some advice about using the Smarty with or without timing. No timing = higher EGTs....added Timing = lower EGTs but higher piston temps.

Thoughts?

I keep checking this thread hoping somebody knowledgeable will chime in. I knew more timing=lower egt's, but I didn't realize it raised piston temps. Am I wrong in thinking that higher piston temps=higher cylinder pressures which has resulted(for some) in lost valve seats? I run Smarty on 5 right now and I also have Roktech crank sensor and the timing rattle is very conspicuous.

I have the crazy larry program and tow on it mostly because I forget to turn it down but whatever ya know.

Advancing the timing will increase cylinder peak pressure, but how much is the question.
I would be concerned more with the EGTs than anything else. So what level are you planning to tow with?

Lowboy,
I had the same loud timing rattle when I updated the SMARTY from 307 to the 309 software with the Rokktech. I ended up removing the Rokktech which helped. I do like version 309 since it dropped my EGTs by 200 degrees on WOT runs.

MikeyB

which one is the 309 software? i update mine in jan. is that the one or is there some new updates?

brett

I believe version 309 was from early January.

MikeyB

At this point I am running Level 3 Mild TQ but I am wondering if I may be better off Level 2 instead.

Personaly, i'd tow 14k on level 1 just ot be safe....good balance of timming to keep egt's cool and extra power, but not going overboard.

i always thought that i read somewhere that towing wasnt recommended on #1 because of "aggressive timing"??

my spelling is very bad tonight. accept my appologies

brett

I am thinking of setting it back to stock for towing. At least that way I can watch the EGTs and back off if I need. If I was to use timing I would have no idea if I was cooking the pistons and valves, Geez I wish I had a gauge for that!

I agree with jgiachino, drop it down to level 1 when towing that much weight.

Remember something about the timing, our trucks came from the factory with retarded timing because of NOx emissions. So our timing is less than the 12v and older 24v engines. With the CR engines there is plenty of room to play with.

MikeyB