The journey begins - purchased a truck.

Just went and picked up a load today - AWESOME, let me get back to you on this.

 

There ya go @Lepton1 !

 

Well - I definitely recommend this guy. He’s hard to get hold of on the phone, pretty slow on the emails - but if you peel off your DDEC and send it to him, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

He opens the ECM up and inspects/repairs components - in my case (DDEC3) memory replacement and I think he said a few capacitors that activate every time injectors fire. Reseals case. Runs the ECM for 8+ hours on a test bench with injectors simulating real-time running, to ensure all fault codes/issues resolved. Sends video of bench test/current faults/testing. Often at 2am , hence the lack of interest in phone/email - he’s a worker.

Most other avenues I explored were simply ‘reprogrammers’ - I wanted an engineer. As in, open it up and repair hardware, not just mess with software.

This ECM had been loaded with a 485hp ‘Australian Tune’ - apparently popular years ago - utter junk. I thought it was a stock tune, but regardless - it fell flat 100% of the time. Really made me miss the N-14.

He required rocker cover tags - for serial numbers. As mine is a GK motor, higher HP/torque was riskier than the BK model, with piston oilers, stronger pistons etc (@Old Man ’s ) motor, so we settled on a 1700/550 tune. He warns strongly against higher tunes on motors that aren’t mechanically strong enough to handle them. I’m not surprised old mans motor puts well over 575 to the ground - with the tune he’s got.

You’ll have to give me 2 months tracking to report on MPG, but scan gauge immediate results on a 700 mile run indicates no loss.

Torque and HP definitely up. On familiar terrain loaded, shifting UP, vs. lugging and shifting DOWN. Slight increase in pyro temps, haven’t seen over 750 on moderate grades.

Fernando is a very smart guy. Lots of knowledge. I learned a heap in a short time. I only fear he will burn himself out working the way he does.

The truck is now enjoyable to drive. I’m amazed at how much difference a correctly fueling Diesel engine makes.