Engine tinkerers, beware

dhn · 11-30-2018, 11:13 AM

I ran across this article, and thought it was interesting. This article is about class 8 trucks, wonder if some of the shops that work on pickup trucks are going to start to refuse service for emissions tampering. I don't own a diesel right now, but may be looking for one in the future.

https://www.overdriveonline.com/engi...l-engine-mods/

Logan X · 11-30-2018, 11:28 AM

That is an interesting article. I have a 2017 Diesel engine and I would never do anything aftermarket to modify it. I’m too scared of screwing something up. And I trust the engineers at Ford a lot more than I trust any local mechanic. I know my truck is still pretty new, but I’ve never had any problems with the emissions or anything else. Thanks for sharing the article.

Canonman · 11-30-2018, 11:50 AM

It's widely known in the diesel world that reprogramming, tuning or mapping the engine operating parameters is ineffective unless you also "deleted" the other emissions pieces i.e. the EGR and DPF. In our county those deletes have been illegal for years. I have to agree with Logan that the manufacturer's engineering team has a much better handle on how get the best performance while maintaining compliance. The newer Ram HD pickups are getting nearly 400 HP and 900 ft lbs of torque. That's plenty for my needs.

travelin texans · 11-30-2018, 02:14 PM

My trucks a '13 with plenty of power & torque to get the job done at a decent fuel mileage. In my younger years I was all about MORE POWER, but now it's more about getting to where I'm going without issues.
I do honestly believe that modern day diesel engines have a load of untapped horsepower & torque, but with all the government mandated emissions & fuel mileage regulations plus other driveline components not up to the increases (yet) it will remain untapped.
Every year model all of the big 3 are trying to "one up" each other, so I suspect each year one, if not all, will be a couple horsepower &/or a couple ft lbs more torque than the others until they've reached the max or can't keep transmissions together anymore.

bobbecky · 11-30-2018, 05:52 PM

A little over a year ago, while having my truck serviced, I was informed that GM had an update for the ECM software, which I had installed. It definitely seems like the engine has quite a bit more power now since the ECM was reflashed with the new software. I do not have any aftermarket devices installed, and am very happy with the available power and like that when I step on the accelerator, I do not see a black cloud of unburned Diesel billowing behind the truck.

77cruiser · 11-30-2018, 06:57 PM

That's why I'm hesitant to buy a newer truck, my 04 has no emissions on it.

**chuckster57** · 11-30-2018, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77cruiser

That's why I'm hesitant to buy a newer truck, my 04 has no emissions on it.

If there are no factory emissions equipment on your engine, it’s because they were removed.

Old Mustanger · 11-30-2018, 08:17 PM

I intend to keep all emission reducers intact until the next time the particulant filter clogs up.

77cruiser · 12-01-2018, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If there are no factory emissions equipment on your engine, it’s because they were removed.

No emissions on a 04 unless it a Cali. truck.

Pull Toy · 12-01-2018, 05:08 AM

I was informed by my local Ford dealer, who is also a personal friend, that Ford installed a software "watch guard". Even if you "un-chip" your ride for service, the chip/tuner left a footprint. Ford will not honor any mechanical warranty work on these vehicles. You just voided yourself. (Pardon the pun!) LOL

As already stated, I trust the major manufacturers to max out the power curve in an environmentally GREEN manor, and still provide as much efficiency, and power as possible.

Good Luck,

Dave W · 12-01-2018, 05:38 AM

I don't need to spend a couple thousand dollars on my truck for no real needs. Any performance gains that I might need are right there in the axle ratio - and mine with a 3.55 ratio could benefit. With just about 116,000 virtually trouble free miles on it, it has pulled a 12,000 pound 5er up any and every hill including the Rockies, just fine and at whatever speed is safe.

Now with all that said, there is always that youth peeking out that says "I'm gonna do it just because I can". But age and wisdon (some argument there!) takes over and says - dumb

ChuckS · 12-01-2018, 07:01 AM

My diesel is 2007 Duramax..stock.. no need for deletes or tunes.. tows fifth wheel fine, good fuel mpg ..13.5 towing and 21 hiway with no 5er..

No DEF system to screw with..
Many have and are having issues with regen system and they need something better and more reliable in that department..

Blow it out every once in a while to clean off the EGR valve otherwise these will load up with in town slow speed driving...

**chuckster57** · 12-01-2018, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77cruiser

No emissions on a 04 unless it a Cali. truck.

Guess I learned something new. I thought the EGR was a federal mandate.

77cruiser · 12-01-2018, 07:16 AM

I think 05 got a Cat. & EGR, then came DEF in what 08.

jsmith948 · 12-01-2018, 07:31 AM

Good fuel mileage (12.5 to 13+ towing)- plenty of torque and power. The truck uses so little of the much maligned DEF to make it a non-factor. Add to that the absence of black clouds of diesel exhaust at every increase in throttle setting and the acrid, sulfur smell that used to be the norm.
I guess I just don't see the need for messing around with the emission controls on our truck. Plus, I actually get to see the Sierra Nevada range from here in our valley every once in a while!l

**chuckster57** · 12-01-2018, 07:32 AM

I work on lots of different things and its hard to keep up, I just look at whats on the vehicle I am working on at the moment....This morning its a 2002 PT Cruiser timing belt

Dave W · 12-01-2018, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I work on lots of different things and its hard to keep up, I just look at whats on the vehicle I am working on at the moment....This morning its a 2002 PT Cruiser timing belt

Those clunkers around here all went to the scrap hear in the rust belt of the Great North East

Ductape · 12-01-2018, 07:38 AM

I guess I'm the only one here who finds it sad that we have turned into Europe. As a 'car guy' at heart, it just seems un-American to be fined thousands, or tens of thousands of dollars if you tinker with your car or truck.

travelin texans · 12-01-2018, 08:04 AM

[QUOTE=Ductape;317342]I guess I'm the only one here who finds it sad that we have turned into Europe. As a 'car guy' at heart, it just seems un-American to be fined thousands, or tens of thousands of dollars if you tinker with your car or truck.[/QUuntun

You mean not turning into Europe? When we were there in 2000 you could hardly see across the street as ALL the diesel cars belching black smoke or untuned looking like a mosquito fogger, could hardly breath for all the car exhaust.
I'm old enough now to not have the the need to "roll coal" like the young'uns.

Logan X · 12-01-2018, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ductape

I guess I'm the only one here who finds it sad that we have turned into Europe. As a 'car guy' at heart, it just seems un-American to be fined thousands, or tens of thousands of dollars if you tinker with your car or truck.

I get what your saying. I guess I just found other stuff to tinker with and I leave my truck alone. Over 400hp and 925 ft lbs of torque and 20mpg on the highway, I don’t think I could improve on that.

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