stidwell

Ok so here is my question.

I recently purchased a 2012 2500 Mega Cab Laramie 3.73 with about 56,000 miles on it.

When towing my engine temps run between 214 and 219..... to me this is hotter than what I am used to seeing.

These temps seem to be consistent regardless of outside ambient temp.

My 2010 only got up that high when I was climbing a hill with a huge load on it. It usually ran around 204-206.

Can you all chime in on what operating temps you are seeing while towing?

staarma

I hit 230 frequently while towing heavy. Even in Winter while towing my 27' enclosed sled trailer I can hit 220 and it could be below zero for crying out loud. The fans come on at 217 like clockwork. That helps to cool it down for sure. I watch the tranny temps though for heat as I don't want to cook it. Never seems to be an issue no matter the water temp. Here is a cut and paste from another post where I was back to the dealer for a leak and taling to them about it. Turns out the leak was from the upper EGR hose going into the cylinder head. It's fixed now but I still see high water temps. Bottom line is they said let her eat. When the 13's were being advertised one of the main new plugs were 45% more engine cooling capacity from dual radiators. Obviously was a gripe from more than just me about high water temps. None of my other cummins powered trucks had a water temp issue at all.

We talked at length about the coolant heat issue too. According to Chrysler/Cummins it's an emissions thing. Evidently there are lots of things that dictate whether or not the fan comes on and how high the temp will go. 230 is supposed to be the max normal operating temp. If the temp is heating up outside of the normal operation or emission control then you will get subsequent warnings in the EVIC and limp mode will come on until the truck cools down. Bottom line is they said hammer down and don't worry about it. I said that's what I plan to do.

stidwell

Thanks for the input. Makes me feel a little better.

BobTipton

...is too hot?

Bob

staarma

From what I was told, 235 is when things start shutting down and power goes away until the truck cools down to normal operating temps which is anything 230 and below.

Elk_Hunter

I'm glad you posted this. Over the weekend I was pulling a horse trailer with 3 horses (I have a 2500) and there were a couple times I was hitting 217 and the fan was coming on. I was shocked to see it get this warm. My 2005 5.9 seemed like the hottest it ever got was 205 pulling the same load. I was very concerned this weekend thinking I too had something wrong.


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RyeThomas

I too just picked up a 4th gen and wondered about the Temps, did a few searches and seems warmer is the norm and better for cleaning things out, heat her up and let her eat.

staarma

Here is the resulting change because of heat complaints or at least it's my opinion.

RyeThomas

I agree the new system is impressive, what I do not like is the dead pedal/heavy torque mangement and unresponsive feel of the 13+ trucks. I also do not like being told in a 2500 the 3.42 is ALL I CAN HAVE (yes it adds to fuel economy but its not a good ratio for a vehice that tows IMO, and adds to that slug feeling). These are the main reasons I eneded up with a 2012. Ill take some added heat as long as its the norm, and this truck gets it when I push the accelerator.

hercules1

does anybody know why the cummins runs 165 to 210 back and forth?

FMB

Welcome to DTR. It sounds like you may have an air bubble in the coolant system. Did you recently change out the coolant, thermostat or water pump? What year truck do you have? Check out this thread on coolant.

If you are going to be around awhile (hope you are), then you should also fill out your signature for this site. It's easy. Go to the Grey Bar just above the blue bar, and click on "User CP". Then in the left column, click on "Edit Signature". Tell us a bit about what you have and save. Easy.

Again, welcome to DTR.
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