dieseldoug
Registered User
Got the old girl (91 F250 7.3 with Banks turbo) ready for our first winter trip south from Washington to Arizona. The E40D was rebuilt with all the new bells and whistles. Running gear was serviced as needed, and new tires added. So, off we went.
All was fine on the first leg from Seattle, WA to the mountains in southern Oregon. Then we hit the first long 6 % grade, and the climb was downright embarrassing. By the time we reached the top of our first of many the best I could do was 35 MPH in second range at about 2800 RPM.
Now I probable could have done 5 MPH more by slamming up against the governor, but really didn’t see the point in pushing that hard to gain so little. During the climbs I stayed in third range until the exhaust temp. hit 1000 degs., which was over the 900 I try to stay below.
On the flat and up a slight grade I could maintain 58 to 65 MPH depending on whether or not I was able to stay in overdrive. I learned that 58 was a much better choice, and my 7.3 was happier at higher RPMs.
Here’s my problem. I like the 29’ fifth wheel (7500# dry, about 8000# loaded) we now tow, and have no problems on local short trips. But the mountains are much more than I can handle.
I know I can get more out of my engine with more boost, heavier head bolts and so on. But, I’ve already sunk a bunch in the Banks, and don’t want to waste more on what may be a marginal power plant.
I love the truck and engine / transmission combination as it is. But, maybe it’s just not enough for what we plan to do.
All was fine on the first leg from Seattle, WA to the mountains in southern Oregon. Then we hit the first long 6 % grade, and the climb was downright embarrassing. By the time we reached the top of our first of many the best I could do was 35 MPH in second range at about 2800 RPM.
Now I probable could have done 5 MPH more by slamming up against the governor, but really didn’t see the point in pushing that hard to gain so little. During the climbs I stayed in third range until the exhaust temp. hit 1000 degs., which was over the 900 I try to stay below.
On the flat and up a slight grade I could maintain 58 to 65 MPH depending on whether or not I was able to stay in overdrive. I learned that 58 was a much better choice, and my 7.3 was happier at higher RPMs.
Here’s my problem. I like the 29’ fifth wheel (7500# dry, about 8000# loaded) we now tow, and have no problems on local short trips. But the mountains are much more than I can handle.
I know I can get more out of my engine with more boost, heavier head bolts and so on. But, I’ve already sunk a bunch in the Banks, and don’t want to waste more on what may be a marginal power plant.
I love the truck and engine / transmission combination as it is. But, maybe it’s just not enough for what we plan to do.