Need turbo advice please...

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Sean/4W, Jun 13, 2020.

  1. Sean/4W

    Sean/4W Bobtail Member

    14
    15
    Dec 9, 2018
    0
    Hey guys! So I have a 98 IH 9300 with a CAT 3406E(6TS). It’s healthy and seems like my turbo isn’t allowing the engine to breathe as well as it should. My egt’s are around 900 post turbo while cruising with 90k of weight at 65-67mph(1500rpm, 3.70 gears). Boost roughly 10-15psi after CAC.
    The turbo is a 132-3649, 1.41 turning AR. Also running stock manifold. EGT’s I’ve had go up to 1000* on a hard pull, boost can hit 30-35psi when I’m running my split shift down from OD and rpms in 16-1700 range.
    I’m just curious if I’m close to the correct turbo or should be looking at upping the turbine AR a size larger? I typically run the truck around 1500rpm all the time. Lug it down til around 1300 lowest. Go to 16-1700rpms highest for a downshift pulling a grade.
    Running out of ideas to cool the ole Cat down some. Maybe I feel it’s too hot when it’s not?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. 062

    062 Road Train Member

    6,205
    33,432
    Oct 20, 2013
    0
    I’d make sure the simple things are right first. No boost leaks and clean filters. It could be the file that’s causing it also.
    @swaan @Superhauler may have some better ideas.
     
    Sean/4W Thanks this.
  4. Sean/4W

    Sean/4W Bobtail Member

    14
    15
    Dec 9, 2018
    0
    The file is probably the biggest factor. What I was told it would make 600hp at 2100rpm, and 2000ft lbs at 1200rpm. I honestly am about ready to have it cleared and downgraded to 475hp or somewhere in that range if I can’t figure this out.
     
  5. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

    12,209
    100,730
    Jan 30, 2010
    keep stroking.
    0
    @swaan would have turbo numbers, I don't keep up on the numbers. I run the 1.58 housing. But I also have done other mods to my engine. I'll see 1000 deg. On a hot day. Which is normal with what I do. 120k to 150+ k. Edit- one thing I don't do is let my rpms drop below 1400 or over 17 to 1800 rpms.
     
    Sean/4W, Deere hunter and 062 Thank this.
  6. Deere hunter

    Deere hunter Road Train Member

    1,960
    8,614
    Aug 5, 2017
    Shallowater Texas
    0
    Your numbers look OK definitely not anything to worry about.
     
    Sean/4W Thanks this.
  7. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

    3,295
    6,059
    Nov 16, 2013
    Baltimore, Maryland
    0
    Having that much weight pulling a hill will make your EGT go up. My recommendation is NEVER go past 1000% I recommend down shifting when your EGT gets to 950. FYI I have the same motor. A ported and polished aftermarket exhaust manifold will lower the EGT. But if your getting 30-35 boost pressure under full pull. Your turbo is fine
     
    Sean/4W Thanks this.
  8. Sean/4W

    Sean/4W Bobtail Member

    14
    15
    Dec 9, 2018
    0
    Ya that 30-35psi I usually hit around 1600rpm, probably hitting the HP range and exiting the torque band.

    Yeah I was looking into a better flowing manifold for awhile now, time to pull the trigger on it.

    I forgot to mention that the engine has a stock cam and the reman injectors(8501’s).

    Superhauler: how do you like the 1.58 housing? Looked into a time before. But thought I might end up moving the powerband up too high for my cruise speed or a lot of lag. Don’t really have any lag now.

    Had looked into a Switchblade turbo form Blaylock with a larger housing. But haven’t heard a lot about those and felt didn’t want to try a $2500 plus turbo and find it did the same thing the current one I have does.
     
  9. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

    12,209
    100,730
    Jan 30, 2010
    keep stroking.
    0
    If your engine is stock except for program the 1.58 would be to much to spool on your setup. Like I said mine is a modified engine inside and out. My turbo doesn't spool up till bout 1650 1700 rpm. Remember bigger housing more engine ya need to spool up. I can push 55 lbs of boost out of mine but I never go over 45 lbs boost. Long hard pull ill try and keep it around 35 lbs boost so I can control water temp and egts.
     
    Sean/4W Thanks this.
  10. Sean/4W

    Sean/4W Bobtail Member

    14
    15
    Dec 9, 2018
    0
    10-4 Superhauler.

    Great information guys, I appreciate all the knowledge/experience you all have! Helps a lot. I was always thinking to myself am I pushing the engine too hard and do I need to change something or not. I’ve always been told that the 3406e I should lug down a ways before a shift(12-1300rpms) but it just didn’t seem to feel right with this engine I have. Seems it’s sweet spot is around 1500-1600rpms.

    I will get an aftermarket exhaust manifold to help it flow better. Also just got done changing the thermostat down to 180* from 190*. That’s what it was before the reman engine was installed. Should help in the higher ambient air temps.

    I’ll keep running it like it is. Knowing it’s how it should work. But I will keep a turbo in mind as it’s got quite a few miles on it, and seeing some more play on the shaft.
    Might try a non waste-gate turbo this next time vs this one now.
    Thanks again everyone, I appreciate the help!
     
    bad-luck Thanks this.
  11. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

    2,942
    4,374
    Jul 12, 2009
    BC canada
    0
    That's just the stock turbo for 475-550 .

    If your running a true 600 file then its a little on the small side. I'd just upgrade to a Borgwarner non wastegated .

    Your stock turbo has a 75mm compressor and a 92mm turbine.

    Get a 78mm Borgwarner with the 1.32 housing. Perfect with that tune. Should push 38-40 psi and no need to even look at the egts anymore
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2020
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.