We just run local, mainly MO and IL and was wondering if anyone knew someone who was really good with these engines around St. Louis area. (DDEC IV and DDEC V) We do the minor things but can't afford to go to Freightliner for engine work.
Thanks.
Who's good on series 60 around St. Louis area?
Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by STL1, Feb 14, 2013.
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I'll ask around but, sadly we really have a lack of good truck shops around here. Hell, the dealerships aren't that great either to be honest. Have you checked Truck Centers labor rate? It may not be too bad.
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I didn't check it exactly but it seems high. We had them look at a 2005 Columbia with a 14L 455HP DDEC V that is getting bad fuel mileage, they did a few tests, (told me no engine codes, (which I had already told them due to our prolink) did a cylinder cutout, etc) put on a $56 barometric pressure sensor and charged $500. It did not change anything other than lower the checking account by $500. It sounds like from what I read on these posts Rebel127 is the guy to improve mpg on a DDEC V.
Thanks.rebel127 Thanks this. -
Hey Rebel127,
I had a question about charge air cooler leaks. People keep mentioning that as affecting mpg. We hooked up our Prolink and took the truck for a test drive with a 53' rail van and 40K lbs. Going up hills with engine at 100% load turbo boost pressure was 39-40psi. That seemed really good. Would that rule out a CAC leak or not really? My mechanical expertise lies more in checking lights and tires!! This is an ex Penske daycab (Actually came out of Tri State Quickrete in NJ) so it doesn't have the top air fairing and cab extenders but we are planning on putting them on. Even with that, currently we are getting about 4.5mpg and we really want to be around six. We are empty half the time and our 2003 Columbia (Old Heartland tractor can get close to 6.5mpg.) An ECM tuneup sounds like the way to go.
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You may not really see a CAC leak at the boost gauge. Even the OEM limits are a little high for my comfort. Any CAC, and all connections from turbo to intake, that shows more than 3-4 lb loss in 15 seconds is going to get fixed or changed on my truck. I cannot say about the Interstate Power Systems shop in St. Louis, but I go to one of their shops in Des Moines for engine work, and they do a real great job. labor rate at that shop is in the range of everyone else in town. Regardless of the truck OEM, I learned a long, long time ago to never rely on a truck dealer for engine work. Some do ok, but it is a hit or miss thing. When I owned Cummins, I went to Cummins shops or independent shops that specialized in Cummins. Same for the DDEC IV I have now, I go to Interstate Power or one other independent shop near me I trust.
Improving the aerodynamics will help some. Maybe a lot depending on what you improve. When you do that part, also make sure and try to keep the trailer tucked up as close to the cab as possible without putting too much load on the steer axle. That does assume you have a sliding fifth and are pulling vans.Last edited: Feb 16, 2013
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